Breath alcohol concentration, hazardous drinking and preloading among Swedish university students

Abstract

Background: Approximately half of all young adults in Sweden are university students, and alcohol consumption is often a central part of students' social lives. Heavy drinking is associated with negative consequences, such as poor study skills, sexual risk-taking, violence and accidents. The aim of the present study is to assess the levels of alcohol intoxication as well as hazardous alcohol use among students at Swedish universities.

Methods: In an alcohol field study, students (≥18 years old) were randomly selected and invited to participate. The settings were eight different parties at four universities in Sweden. Alcohol intoxication was measured using a breath analyser for breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). Demographic data (i.e., sex, age, number of years at the university) and responses to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) were gathered through face-to-face interviews for the assessment of hazardous alcohol use.

Results: In total, 723 students were invited to participate, 605 of whom consented (84% response rate). The mean age of the respondents was 22.2 years, and the proportion of women was 37%. A majority of the respondents (91%) reported drinking before arriving at the parties. Among those who had consumed alcohol before arriving, the average BrAC was 0.086%, and 36% had BrACs of 0.100% or more. The proportion of students reporting hazardous use was 86% for women and 87% for men.

Conclusions: This study provides the actual levels of intoxication among university students in four different cities. Alcohol intoxication and hazardous use among Swedish university students is a concern, and the university setting is an important arena for implementation of alcohol prevention strategies.

Keywords: AUDIT-C; blood alcohol concentration (BAC); breath alcohol concentration (BrAC); college; prevention; risky drinking.