A quantitative study to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of LJMU students aged 18-24, in relation to alcohol consumption, investigating the difference in prevalence of alcohol use between different student groups

Abstract

Alcohol is attributable to many diseases and injury-related health conditions and is the fifth leading risk factor of premature death globally; and among people between the ages of 15-49 years, it is the first leading cause. Problematic alcohol use by university students is also an important public health issue due to its wide range of effects on physical and mental health. This study utilized a quantitative questionnaire to explore the social and environmental factors which influence high alcohol prevalence among the student population. The study also sought to determine prevalence levels among students at LJMU in different student cohorts (1st, 2nd, 3rd year students) and ascertain the level of understanding shown by students in relation to alcohol prevalence. Convenience sampling was used to recruit Liverpool John Moores students aged 18-24 years in the city of Liverpool.  Participants were recruited through social media groups for LJMU students and emailing Environmental/public Health students. Convenience sampling offers certain advantages by identifying participants quickly on a voluntary basis. The questionnaire asked general questions regarding year of study, age, gender, and questions relating to the participant’s alcohol use based on the AUDIT-C test. Forty-four participants aged 18-24 years took part in the anonymous quantitative questionnaire. The results from the study revealed that 3rd year students drink more than students in their 1st and 2nd year of study. Moreover, the findings indicate the majority had previously engaged in binge drinking and that drinking frequency was similar between participants in Year 1. Year 2 and Year 3. The study showed the topic needs larger studies to produce more robust findings, but the sample is useful in exploring alcohol prevalence amongst small student cohorts.