Alcohol-related problems experienced by university students in New Zealand

Objective: To examine reported problems associated with alcohol use in a large sample of New Zealand university students. Method. A random sample (n=1,910) of students at the University of Otago Dunedin was invited to complete an Internet-based survey of their patterns of alcohol use and associated behaviours. Results: The survey achieved a response rate of 82% (n=1,564). Reports of alcohol-related problems were relatively common and included the physical consequences of bingeing as well as interpersonal, anti-social and academic problems. Conclusions: Problems associated with alcohol consumption are relatively common and represent potential harm to the students' immediate health and academic performance. A study of the effects of alcohol on actual academic performance of students is warranted.