Second-hand effects of college drinking and educational experiences: Findings from an analysis of pooled cross-sections

摘要

Aims: Research from several countries has demonstrated the prevalence of exposure to alcohol's second-hand effects. This study adds to this literature with an examination of the relationships between exposure and grades and school satisfaction among the US college and university students. Methods: The study used pooled cross-sectional data from the four rounds (1993, 1997, 1999 and 2001) of the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (N=53,061). Random samples of students at four-year colleges and universities completed self-report mailed surveys and provided information on the frequency of their exposure to alcohol's second-hand effects, their own drinking behaviour, college grades, school satisfaction and backgrounds. Findings: Multilevel, multivariate logit analyses showed significant, negative associations between exposure to second-hand effects and both grades and school satisfaction (p<0.05). These effects were pronounced among abstainers and light drinkers compared to students who consumed alcohol more frequently. Drinking level also moderated the relationship between exposure and satisfaction with college: this association was significantly larger for abstainers and infrequent drinkers (p<0.05). Conclusions: The majority of students reported exposure to alcohol's second-hand effects; this exposure was negatively associated with grades and satisfaction with school. Colleges and universities could help reduce the negative consequences of second-hand exposure by providing all students - abstainers and drinkers alike - with information on its negative consequences. They could also create more opportunities for students to live and socialize in alcohol-free settings.