Methods: Data from a large south-eastern University gathered using the Spring 2010 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey was utilized. A total of 745 students participated. Prevalence estimates of alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, and various negative outcomes were calculated. Binary logistic regression was used to model the relationship between alcohol consumption and negative outcome variables. Results: Reponses to the NCHA indicate that 75.8% of students had a history of alcohol consumption, 58.6% were current drinkers, and 24.2% had no history of alcohol use. Drinking in general significantly increased the likelihood of some negative outcomes. Odds ratios were as followed: forgetting where you were or what you did as a result of drinking 3.12 (95% CI: 2.05-4.71), had unprotected sex as a result of drinking 2.48 (95% CI 1.55-3.98), and physically injured yourself as result of drinking 3.79 (95% CI: 2.15-6.69). Alcohol use had no effect on the likelihood of getting in trouble with the police, having sex without giving or getting consent, and seriously considering suicide as a result of drinking in this population.
Conclusions: The findings from this survey illustrate the risks associated with consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. The association between binge drinking and unprotected sex is of particular concern due to increased risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.