Research project:
Binge drinking in female university students
Caitriona Byrne and David Clark
The past decade has witnessed a dramatic change in drinking patterns,
particularly a large increase in binge drinking among younger age groups.
Of particular concern has been the suggestion of a dramatic increase in
female binge drinking and indeed in female drinking mentality.
We looked at the drinking patterns of 120 female university students,
and differences between high frequency binge drinkers and low frequency
binge drinkers. 50 subjects were defined as high binge drinkers (on average,
two or more binge sessions per week) and 70 subjects as low binge drinkers
(less than two sessions per week).
Some key findings…for the overall group of subjects
- The average consumption was 20.3 units and the average amount spent
was £25.64 per week.
- 66% of subjects drank above the Government's recommended weekly limit
and 9% drank at hazardous levels.
- 71% drank more than twice a week and 49% got drunk more than once
a week.
- 42% reported that they binge drink once a week and 42% do so more
frequently.
- The three most common reasons for drinking alcohol were: to get drunk
and have fun; to be sociable; to relax.
- 23% reported that their drunken behaviour had concerned them "many
times".
- Whilst 71% reported that their drinking had a positive effect on their
social life, 38% reported that it had a negative impact on their work.
High and Low Binge Drinkers were compared:
| Average |
Low Binge Drinkers
|
High Binge Drinkers
|
| Units alcohol per week |
13.5
|
29.8
|
| Days consume alcohol per week |
2.5
|
4.5
|
| Binge drinking sessions per week |
0.7
|
2.4
|
| Expenditure per week |
£17.23
|
£37.98
|
| Times get drunk per week |
1.0
|
2.5
|
| Times go clubbing per month |
4.5
|
7.0
|
| Times go to pub/bar per month |
10.1
|
16.5
|
High frequency binge drinkers were identified
to:
- Show a greater dependency to alcohol than low frequency binge drinkers.
- Report intoxication as their primary goal for drinking and their attitudes
to their alcohol consumption created health concerns.
- Suffer more negative consequences more frequently than low frequency
binge drinkers.
- show projections of the future suggesting that they wanted to delay
'traditional' responsibilities.
The study concluded that binge drinking is a
problem among female university students.
|
