Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access originally published online on July 4, 2005
Alcohol and Alcoholism 2005 40(5):447-452; doi:10.1093/alcalc/agh178
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EPISODE-CENTRED ANALYSIS OF DRINKING TO INTOXICATION IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
1 School of Medical Practice and Population Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia and 2 Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed at: 2 Edison Street, Adamstown Heights, NSW 2289, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 4927 5957; Fax: +61 2 4924 6208; E-mail: kypri{at}tpg.com.au
(Received 1 April 2005; first review notified 14 May 2005; in revised form 19 May 2005; accepted 1 June 2005)
Aims: To demonstrate the use of an internet-based retrospective diary to measure intoxication and to describe the epidemiology of intoxication in a university community. Methods: A probability sample of 1564 New Zealand university students completed an Internet-based survey (82% response), including a retrospective diary in which the volume consumed on each of the preceding seven days and the duration of each episode were recorded, along with the respondent's gender, weight, and their typical quantity/frequency of consumption, as a measure of tolerance. These parameters were used to compute an estimated blood alcohol concentration (EBAC) for each episode. Results: Using an EBAC of 0.08 g/100 ml as a criterion for intoxication produced lower estimates of incidence than binge drinking guidelines (>40 g for women, >60 g for men), or subjective reports. EBACs of 0.08 g per cent were exceeded at least weekly by 37% of women and 39% of men. Teenage females had higher EBACs than teenage males, despite lower consumption. Intoxication was positively associated with lower age, European or Maori ethnicity relative to Asian, Pacific, or other ethnicities, and with residential halls relative to other living arrangements. Faculty of study was inconsistently related to intoxication. Discussion: Frequent drinking to intoxication is normative behaviour in this population group. Of particular concern are intoxication levels in females aged 16–21 years and in males throughout their 20s. The web-based retrospective diary is a useful means of measuring intoxication by self-report. Where time permits it can be enhanced by specification of drinking locations and beverage-specific questions.
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