ABSTRACT
Objective
To identify among university students of the health area of a Brazilian university the prevalence, alcohol consumption profile and the practice of episodic heavy drinking (EHD).
Methods
A cross-sectional, quantitative study with a randomized sample of university students from 12 health courses. Individual questionnaires were used, in an electronic form, using the AUDIT scale, after informed consent. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed.
Results
Among the 619 students selected, the prevalence of alcohol consumption was 85%, profile of low risk consumption (77.1%). Harmful consumption and probable dependence were detected in 2.7%. The HDE practice was 51.6%, almost double when compared to other studies. The characteristics that were most associated with alcohol consumption were: being single, male and attending parties weekly.
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption is high among the students evaluated, although most are in the low risk profile. However, it is evident the need for educational actions to promote student health, aiming at the reduction and conscious consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol consumption; alcoholism; heavy drinking episodic; university students
