GENDER AND AGE-DIFFERENCES IN THE DRINKING BEHAVIORS OF UNIVERSITY-STUDENTS

A sample of 457 university students were queried concerning their use of alcohol. The majority (90%) of students reported drinking at least once over the past year, with men drinking more often. Age differences were noted, with older students (Mdn = 32.0 yr. vs 19.0 yr.) more lik ely to report drinking 4 to 6 times per week. Women generally had heal thier attitudes concerning alcohol consumption, e.g., more likely to t ry to prevent a friend from driving after drinking, pay for use of a t axi, or have a designated driver. Men were more likely to indicate tha t it is socially acceptable to be intoxicated occasionally and also th at most drinkers do not suffer health problems as a result of their dr inking. The present study indicates a need to educate university stude nts about the effects of alcohol with a particular emphasis needed for male students.