Socio-Demographic Insights: A Five Country Study on Students' Drinking Behaviour

Abstract

This study is a pioneering endeavour, in which researchers from five different countries collaborated to provide more insights into the drinking behaviour of university students, a group of consumers characterised by frequent and often dangerous drinking behaviour. A total of 1704 students were included in this study that investigated various socio-demographic variables and drinking habits. The results showed students in certain countries (Ireland, South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina) engaged in hazardous drinking, while students in other countries (Croatia and Portugal), displayed safer alcohol drinking behaviour. In addition, male respondents in general consumed significantly more alcohol than female students. This study enriches the literature on international alcohol consumption behaviour among university students, and the results can be used by policy makers to address the issue of alcohol abuse that is frequently associated with this cohort of consumers.