Trends and Risk Markers of Student Hazardous Drinking: A Comparative Analysis Using Longitudinally Linked Datasets in a Public University

Aims: This study compares the incidence and risk-markers of student alcohol intoxication-related emergency department (ED) visits and alcohol-related incidents reported to student affairs. Methods: Enrollment data were linked to ED visits with alcohol intoxication and to alcohol-related incidents reported to campus authorities within one year following the first (index) annual enrollment. Incidence, annual trends and associated risk markers were analyzed. Results: The cohort consisted of 204,423 students aged 16-49. Incidence rates of first ED visit with alcohol intoxication and alcohol-related incidents were 59/10,000 and 311/10,000 person-years, respectively. Both outcomes shared common risk-markers including age, gender, race/ethnicity, fraternity and sorority (FSL) membership, an existing diagnosis of depression, etc. Being an athlete was associated with a lower risk of alcohol-related ED visits, and transfer students were at lower risk for alcohol-related incidents. Conclusion: Linking enrollment data with hazardous drinking events can help in better monitoring of student hazardous drinking and targeting interventions.