Many college students participate in binge drinking, which is the consumption of four or more alcoholic beverages for women or greater than 5 drinks for men during a single occasion. Many young adults outgrow binge drinking however, some persist and experience alcohol related problems later in adulthood. The identification of socio-ecological factors associated with binge drinking can provide pertinent information for the development of interventions to reduce binge drinking and associated negative consequences. These socio-ecological factors may include the physical environments where students drink, who is buying/controlling the alcohol, and peer norms about drinking. This study examines socio-ecological factors associated with drinking behaviors among college students. 

The study’s sample consisted of 1,390 college students who reported consuming one or more alcoholic drinks in the past 12 months. Students were asked to report frequency and quality of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking, where alcohol is obtained, where alcohol is consumed, and perceptions of the percentage of students on campus who drank in the past 30 days. Individual correlated were recorded through demographic information and age of first drink of alcohol. Community correlates were assessed by asking about participants about involvement in campus activities and feelings of campus connectedness. Lastly, alcohol related problems and protective behaviors against alcohol use were measured. Data was analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA). 

Results of the data analysis showed four-classes of drinking profiles. Class 1 (21%), ‘Tasters,’ reported low frequency and low quantity of alcohol use. In this class alcohol was typically provided by others and drinking occurred in dorms. Class 2 (19.5% ), ‘Bargoers, ’ reported moderate frequency and quantity drinking, were more likely to self-purchase alcohol, and consume alcohol in bars. Class 3 (34.7%), ‘Partiers,’ reported moderate frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, infrequent binge drinking, alcohol from others, and multiple drinking venues. Lastly, Class 4 (24.8%), ‘Bingers,’ reported high frequency and quantity alcohol use, frequent binge drinking, self-purchased alcohol, and drinking at multiple locations. Bingers were more likely to participate in Greek life and/or varsity athletics and intramural or club sports. Tasters reported the greatest use of protective behaviors and the fewest problems while Bingers reported the lowest use of protective behaviors and most problems.  

Takeaway: Heterogenous patterns of drinking, acquiring alcohol, and partying/socializing may exist among college students.  

Walsh, K., Mehta, A.H., Buehler, Z., Wall, M., Santelli, J., Hirsch, J.S., Mellins, C.A.. The Socio-Ecological Context of US College Student Drinking: A Latent Class Analysis. Addictive Behaviors. 2023;107666. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107666