“Excessive Drinking—An Inescapable Part of University Life?” A Focus Group Study of Australian Undergraduates

Abstract

The university environment reinforces positive alcohol-related expectations and motivations for drinking among undergraduate students. High levels of hazardous consumption in this population lead to significant negative alcohol-related consequences, for individuals and those around them. This study sought to explore the contexts in which those who engage in hazardous drinking consume alcohol, their perceptions of safety and harm, and receptivity to health messages. Undergraduate university students (n = 69; aged 17 -24 of both genders [57% female]) were purposively recruited into one of seven focus groups after screening with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to select for hazardous drinking (score, >8) or moderate drinking. A focus group interview schedule was developed, which was informed by theory and tested for validity by a panel of experts. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed four thematic clusters: positive expectations; inescapable culture; defining situations; and permissible drunkenness. Drinking was associated with various personal and social advantages that reinforced participants' intentions and/or willingness to drink. Alcohol played a meaningful role in the way in which participants identified with youth and university culture. Economical drinking was prominent, with students constantly negotiating pathways to intoxication within the confines of their budgets. Heavy drinking was viewed as permissible when in the home environment and/or in the company of trusted friends. Most students were unreceptive to health messages, and advice on restricting alcohol consumption seemed to have limited impact on drinking behaviour. Our findings clarify why some university students maintain or increase drinking behaviour despite known negative out-* Corresponding author. J. Hallett et al. 617comes and offer useful insights to inform further research and the development of alcohol interventions specifically targeted at students.

Consequences of Low Risk and Hazardous Alcohol Consumption among University Students in Australia and Implications for Health Promotion Interventions

“…Similarly, a larger study of young adult bar patrons in the US (n = 1040) found pre-loading to be common among college populations, to be similar for males and females and to be associated with intentions to drink [31]. Young university students identify the economic benefits of pre-loading prior to going to a pub or club [10]. In addition to issues related to over consumption, pre-loading introduces a range of issues including drink-driving and "street-drinking" where students may walk from their residence to campus venues.…”

Students Who Limit Their Drinking, as Recommended by National Guidelines, Are Stigmatized, Ostracized, or the Subject of Peer Pressure: Limiting Consumption Is All But Prohibited in a Culture of Intoxication

“… 14 Students perceive drunkenness as permissible, normal, and enhancing sociability. 15 , 16 Although there is a dearth of research on the perceptions, or experiences, of students who moderate their drinking, research has shown that nondrinkers experience peer pressure to drink, are excluded, or are stereotyped negatively. 17 , 18 Nondrinkers either avoid social situations 19 or succumb to social pressure to drink.…”

“… 18 As such, participation in the culture of intoxication forms part of students’ identity and their connection with the university culture. 16 Taken together, the normative culture of heavy drinking among tertiary students, as well as the significant barriers to abstaining within this culture, raises the question of whether students have unimpeded choice to drink in moderation.…”

A cross sectional evaluation of an alcohol intervention targeting young university students

“…Many young university students drink alcohol at levels that place themselves and others at risk of a range of short and long term harms [ 3 – 7 ]. Hazardous drinking has been found to be higher among young university students in New Zealand compared to their non-university peers [ 8 ] with suggestions that the university environment contributes to these differences [ 8 , 9 ]. Young university students are exposed to new and exciting experiences, including greater availability and emphasis on social functions involving alcohol [ 8 ].…”