DRINKING HABITS AMONG CHILEAN UNIVERSITY- STUDENTS

The aim of this work was to define the epidemiological profile of alco hol ingestion and its associated risks, in university students. A soci al survey about drinking habits was performed to a random sample of 52 8 students, aged 17 to 26 years old, 54% male, from Austral University . Eighty two percent of males and 79% of females drink alcoholic bever ages. They mainly consume beer and strong spirits. Their main consumpt ion is occasional, during parties or celebrations. Thirty percent of m ales and 15% of females had three or more inebriations during the last year. Nine percent of males and 3% of females can be considered as pr oblem drinkers. Student that drink alcohol have lower grades that teet otalers. It is concluded that alcohol consumption is frequent among st udents.