National College Health Assessment Measuring Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences among College Students

Christina Foster¹, Cyndy Caravelis^1, and Albert Kopak¹

¹Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, United States

Cite this paper:
Christina Foster, Cyndy Caravelis and Albert Kopak. National College Health Assessment Measuring Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences among College Students. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2014; 2(1):1-5. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-2-1-1

Abstract

Alcohol-related consequences among students have been a source of concern for colleges nationwide. Prior research shows that alcohol may lower a person’s inhibitions and reduce their capacity to make responsible, safe decisions [1]. As such, as a student’s alcohol consumption increases, so may his or her odds of engaging in risky behaviors that may yield negative consequences such as alcohol poising, and sexual related consequences (e.g. STIs, pregnancies, rape, etc.). In the present study, 923 college students were surveyed at a regional university in the South (67% female, 31% male) about their alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences they have experienced. Older female college students reported experiencing more negative alcohol-related consequences than males. Students who participated in intramural sports, were associated with a Greek organization, were involved in an abusive relationship, had increased perceived stress, or who suffered from depression reported significantly more alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, college students that received higher grade point averages reported less consumption of alcohol and experienced fewer negative alcohol-related consequences.

Keywords:
college health NCHA alcohol use self-report survey

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