Breath alcohol concentrations of college students in field settings: seasonal, temporal, and contextual patterns.
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.
Clapp
John D
JD
Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies and Services, 6386 Alvarado Court, Suite 224, San Diego, California 92182, USA.
Johnson
Mark B
MB
Shillington
Audrey M
AM
Lange
James E
JE
Voas
Robert B
RB
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
D000431:Ethanol