Positive perceptions of beer consumption among portuguese university students

Abstract

The abusive consumption of alcohol by college students has negative effects on both individual and public health. Positive expectations about alcohol are related to behaviours and patterns of consumption frequently acquired in adolescence. Objective. This study analyses the impact of individual variables (gender, age at first drink, being away from home, and first option degree course) on beer consumption in first-year college students. The moderating effect of positive perceptions about alcohol consumption will also be considered. Method. The sample comprised 214 first-year college students at a Portuguese public university. Results. Positive perceptions of alcohol consumption had an impact on levels of beer consumption and the rate of beer consumption could be explained by just four student variables: age at first drink, gender, first option degree course, and positive perceptions of alcohol consumption. The indices of model fit were adequate. Conclusions. Interventions targeting reductions of student's alcohol consumption should consider the effects of positive perceptions of alcohol.