Title:

Relationship Between Binge Drinking and Perceived Stress Levels Among College Students

Title: Relationship between Perceived Stress Levels and Binge drinking among male and female college students. Objective: To examine the relationship between levels of binge drinking and perceived stress scores among male college students Methods: Data were collected through the College Health and Nutrition Assessment survey (CHANAS), an ongoing cross-sectional study at a public, northeastern university. Participants, 18-24 years of age, were recruited between 2012-21 from an introductory nutrition course and represent students from all academic majors and years. Participants self-reported their number of binge-drinking episodes in the past 30 days via an online survey (Qualtrics). Binge drinking was determined by # drinks per occasion (≥ 5 drinks for men: ≥ 4 drinks for women). Participants were categorized as non-binge (NB), 0; low moderate binge (LMB), 1-4; moderate binge (MB), 5-9 and extreme binge (EB), ≥10 times per month. Participants’ stress level (0-40) was assessed using the Cohens Perceived Stress Scale 10-item questionnaire (PSS). Differences in PSS in relation to binge drinking status were evaluated via ANCOVA, with BMI, Pell-grant status, age, and smoking status serving as covariates. Associations between alcohol consumption patterns and stress levels were explored using a chi-square test. Results: In the final sample (n=4774), mean perceived stress score was higher among women than men (17.6± 6.4 vs. 15± 6.5, p<0.001). Higher rates of binge drinking (≥ 5 times/month) were seen in men vs. women (35 vs. 20.5%, p<0.001). (Stacked percentage bar graph) In women the mean PSS significantly differed in the EB group compared to the rest of the groups (NB, MD= -1.372, P=.027), (LMB, MD=-1.843, P=.003), (MB, MD= -1.608, P=0.020) but not men (P=0.29). Conclusions: Consistent with previous literature, perceived stress levels were found to be higher in women than men while men had a higher rate of binge drinking episodes. Given the impact of binge drinking on the health and well-being of young adults, further research on the relationship between binge drinking and stress levels in the college population is warranted. Funding Source: New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738

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