Binge drinking is a major health concern among college students. There may also be added risk for students with disabilities or students exposed to sexual violence (SV). Disabilities among college students may include psychiatric, neuropsychiatric/learning, and physical/sensory. This study looks at associations between binge drinking and SV among students with and without a disability.
The study included 2,113 college students from 28 campuses from Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia between the ages of 18-24 years. Lifetime sexual violence was measured using six items to assess any unwanted sexual experiences students had experience before or during college. Past 30-day binge drinking was assessed by asking students how many days they had 4 (female) or 5 (male) drinks within 2 hours in the previous 30 days. They finally assessed disabilities by asking participants about a list of health conditions and then categorizing the disabilities into psychiatric, neuropsychiatric/ learning disorders, and physical/sensory disorders.
Results showed 56% of students endorsed at least one SV experience and 24% endorsed a form of disability (excluding depression and anxiety). 16% had experiences of SV and also had a disability. Those college students with a disability reported binge drinking at higher rates than those without. Results showed those with SV history had higher rates of binge drinking during the previous month. In students without a disability, SV was associated with 1.56 greater odds of 1-3 binge drinking days and 2.1 greater odds of 4+ drinking days. Students with a disability and report of SV had 1.72 higher odds of 4+ binge drinking days. Overall, students with disabilities binge drink at high rates and being at an elevated risk for SV may increase risk of binge drinking. Interventions may benefit from focusing on this subgroup of college students to better address their increased risks.
Take Away: Binge drinking is a health concern among college students with added risk for students with disabilities or those exposed to sexual violence (SV). This study looks at associations between binge drinking and SV among students with and without a disability. The study included 2,113 students with measures including lifetime sexual violence, past 30-day binge drinking, and disabilities. learning disorders, and physical/sensory disorders. Results showed 56% of students endorsed at least one SV experience and 24% endorsed a form of disability (excluding depression and anxiety). 16% had experienced SV and also had a disability. Overall, students with disabilities binge drink at high rates and being at an elevated risk for SV may increase risk of binge drinking. Interventions may benefit from focusing on this subgroup of college students to better address their increased risks.