Binge drinking and academic performance, engagement, aspirations, and expectations: a longitudinal analysis among secondary school students in the COMPASS study

Abstract

Introduction The longitudinal relationship between binge drinking and academic engagement, performance, and future aspirations and expectations was examined among a cohort of secondary school students.. Methods In separate multinomial generalized estimating equations models, linked data from Year 1 (Y1: 2012-2013), Year 2 (Y2: 2013-2014), and Year 3 (Y3: 2014-2015) of the COMPASS study (N = 27 112) were used to test the relative likelihood of responses to seven academic indices when binge drinking was initiated in varying frequencies, adjusting for gender, grade, race/ethnicity, tobacco use, and the individual mean of the predictor and all time-varying covariates. Results Among students who had never engaged in binge drinking at baseline, those who reported regular binge drinking at follow-up were relatively less likely to complete their homework, attend class, and value and achieve high grades, with more frequent binge drinking at follow-up generally resulting in larger relative risk ratios. Interestingly, shifting from “never” to “rare/sporadic” binge drinking one to two years later resulted in an increased relative risk of wanting to pursue all levels of postsecondary education. Beginning binge drinking on a “monthly” basis also increased the likelihood of college/ trade or bachelor degree ambitions, relative to high school, but not graduate/professional pathways; while degree aspirations were not associated with initiating weekly binge drinking. Conclusion Results suggest students who initiate binge drinking have poor school performance and engagement, which may interfere with achieving their future academic goals. This study reinforces the reasons substance use prevention should be considered an academic priority, as such efforts may also prove beneficial for educational achievement.

Is Alcohol Consumption Associated with Poor Perceived Academic Performance? Survey of Undergraduates in Finland

“…Such findings emphasize the complicated relationships between alcohol consumption and academic performance [43], and we agreed with others [43] in that such findings should not propose that drinking is either associated with or does not influence academic performance. In addition, analysis of the literature is impeded by the range of measures of academic performance employed and the use of degree completion as an outcome measure [20]. School dropout is possibly preceded by a period of student apathy, deteriorating grades, truancy, and/or other problems [20].…”

“…In addition, analysis of the literature is impeded by the range of measures of academic performance employed and the use of degree completion as an outcome measure [20]. School dropout is possibly preceded by a period of student apathy, deteriorating grades, truancy, and/or other problems [20].…”

“…For example, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with disorders of memory, attention, and planning [12][13][14][15][16][17]; daily drinking was significantly negatively associated with academic performance [18]; and problematic alcohol use among university students was associated with poor academic performance [19]. The relationship between HED and academic engagement, performance, and future aspirations among secondary school students suggests that students who initiate binge drinking have poor school performance and engagement, which may hinder achieving their future academic goals [20]. HED students are more likely to miss class, fall behind in their schoolwork, and perform poorly on a test(s) or academic project(s) [21].…”

Predictors of Responsible Drinking or Abstinence Among College Students Who Binge Drink: A Multitheory Model Approach

“…Missed lectures, poor academic consequences, suicide attempts, unsafe sex practices, property damage, altercation with law enforcement, and driving under the influence of alcohol are potential consequences of binge drinking among college students. [5][6][7] According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, 8 responsible drinking entails no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. A typical standard drink in the United States is about 14 g of alcohol.…”

Age at first alcohol use predicts current alcohol use, binge drinking and mixing of alcohol with energy drinks among Ontario Grade 12 students in the COMPASS study

“…Students who reported first drinking relationship. Consistently high school connectedness may be indicative of other factors, such as involvement in school sports, 19 which has been linked to increased likelihood of alcohol use. 13,15 Prevalence of current alcohol consumption was relatively high among the sample of Grade 12 students, with rates above 45% across years.…”