title: Breath alcohol concentrations of college students in field settings: seasonal, temporal, and contextual patterns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Seasonality in alcohol consumption has implications for epidemiology and prevention. In this research we examined seasonal, temporal, and contextual variation in drinking among college students at a large West Coast university.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a field survey (across a 3-year period) to collect anonymous breath alcohol concentrations from students sampled randomly as they walked on and near the campus on weekend nights.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After controlling for student demographics, we found that the breath alcohol concentration samples we collected during the spring and winter were significantly higher than those collected during the fall. Subsequent analyses indicated that this difference could be attributed to fewer students drinking in the fall rather than to students consuming smaller quantities of alcohol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seasonal trends in college student drinking mirror seasonal trends demonstrated in the general population. This research may help guide future intervention or prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies and Services, 6386 Alvarado Court, Suite 224, San Diego, California 92182, USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Clapp
authors.forename: Mark B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Audrey M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shillington
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Voas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001944:Breath Tests; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012621:Seasons; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol