A GENDER-SPECIFIC MEASURE OF BINGE DRINKING AMONG COLLEGE-STUDENTS

This study examined the relationship of volume of alcohol consumed to the occurrence of alcohol-related problems among male and female colle ge students to develop a gender-specific measure of heavy episodic or binge drinking by college students for public health research. A self- administered survey was mailed to a national representative sample of students of 140 4-year colleges in 40 states and the District of Colum bia. A total of 17 592 college students completed the survey. Women wh o typically drink four drinks in a row were found to have roughly the same likelihood of experiencing drinking-related problems as men who t ypically drink five drinks in a row. Use of the same standard for both sexes underestimates binge drinking and the negative health risks for women.