A new study from the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University has highlighted that university students who participate in pre-event alcohol consumption, commonly known as “pregaming,” are more inclined to engage in hazardous alcohol and substance use behaviors. The study implies that a deeper comprehension of these activities could aid academic institutions in formulating targeted policies for risk mitigation and preventive initiatives.
The research delved into the correlation between pre-event drinking at sporting functions, perilous alcohol intake, and supplementary substance consumption among collegiate scholars.
The ingrained practice of alcohol consumption in the context of American college sports and student life amplifies the likelihood of high-risk alcohol consumption. Pregaming serves as an introduction to alcohol, increasing the propensity for students to partake in other dangerous activities with potentially adverse outcomes.
The study, published in the academic journal Substance Use and Misuse, indicates that its insights could assist academic institutions in creating specialized risk-management guidelines. It could also pave the way for event-specific preventive and intervention strategies aimed at minimizing these adverse outcomes.
The investigators scrutinized the connection between pregaming habits and the frequency of alcohol consumption, including the tendency for polysubstance use, which involves ingesting multiple substances within a single timeframe. Researchers Dr. Benjamin Montemayor and Dr. Adam Barry from the Department of Health Behavior at Texas A&M’s School of Public Health, employed data gathered from a survey involving students from a sizable university who had infringed the institution’s alcohol regulations between September 2019 and July 2021.
The web-based survey queried 816 students on their pregaming activities preceding live sports events in the prior year. It also collected data on their usage of substances, along with demographic attributes like gender, race and ethnicity, academic classification, and affiliation with Greek organizations.
The study also asked respondents about their drinking habits in the past month and the frequency of their use of cannabis or other drugs. Additionally, the survey assessed the proportion of peers that respondents believed had recently consumed alcohol.
Despite persistent efforts by academic institutions to curtail student drinking, the percentage of students participating in high-risk alcohol consumption during a given month remains unaltered, hovering around 30 to 40 percent. Simultaneously, cannabis consumption among university students has reached unprecedented levels, with approximately a quarter of students reporting concurrent use of cannabis or other substances with alcohol.
Analysis of the data demonstrated that pre-event alcohol consumption was associated with an infringement of the university’s alcohol policy. Controlling for demographic factors, the researchers observed a two-day spike in alcohol consumption for each separate pregaming occasion. Further, individuals who engaged in pregaming were about 2.5 times more likely to co-use cannabis or other drugs with alcohol.
While the findings present a persuasive argument about the risks involved in pregaming, the study does have limitations. For instance, the sample’s demographic makeup did not accurately represent the broader student body, and the surveyed students had previously violated the university’s alcohol policy. Thus, their behaviors may not be generalizable to the entire student population.
Despite these shortcomings, the research suggests a clear link between pregaming and hazardous alcohol and substance use behaviors. The authors recommend further study into mechanisms and policies that could restrict pregaming activities and minimize the associated harms. Such strategies could involve text-message-based interventions on game days and implementing policies that limit alcohol consumption to designated areas, control tailgating durations, establish hydration stations, actively patrol tailgating zones, display alcohol use policies visibly, and restrict access for individuals showing evident signs of intoxication.
Dr. Montemayor emphasized the potential risks posed by pregaming, stating that it complicates the efforts of academic institutions to safeguard student health. “The prevailing sports culture on large campuses across the country may perpetuate a misleading perception of alcohol use, thus complicating the university’s mission to ensure the welfare of its students,” he said.
An enhanced understanding of the nexus between pregaming and high-risk drinking could inform the development of tailored interventions and regulations aimed at mitigating such risks and enhancing student welfare.
Reference: “The Alcohol and Polysubstance Behaviors of Mandated College Students Prior to Collegiate Sporting Events: An Assessment of Pregaming” by Benjamin N. Montemayor, Jessica R. Murfree, Anas K. Nabil, and Adam E. Barry, published on 25 July 2023 in Substance Use & Misuse. DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2238304.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pregaming and Substance Use in University Students
What is the main focus of the new study from Texas A&M University?
The study focuses on the behaviors of university students who engage in “pregaming,” or pre-event alcohol consumption, particularly before sporting events. It aims to assess the associated risks of hazardous alcohol and substance use among these students.
Who conducted the study and where was it published?
The study was conducted by Dr. Benjamin Montemayor and Dr. Adam Barry from the Department of Health Behavior at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. It was published in the academic journal Substance Use and Misuse.
What kind of data was collected for the research?
Data was collected from an online survey involving 816 students from a large university who had violated the university’s alcohol policy between September 2019 and July 2021. The survey inquired about pregaming activities, alcohol and substance use, as well as demographic information.
What risks are associated with “pregaming” according to the study?
The study found that students who engaged in pregaming were more likely to participate in high-risk alcohol and substance use behaviors. This includes a propensity for polysubstance use, or the consumption of multiple substances within a single timeframe.
Were there any limitations to this study?
Yes, the study does have limitations. The sample’s demographic makeup did not accurately represent the broader student body. Moreover, all surveyed students had already violated the university’s alcohol policy, which may skew the findings.
What are the suggested preventive measures and policies based on the study?
The study suggests that universities could implement targeted, event-specific prevention and intervention strategies. This might include text-message-based interventions on game days, restricting alcohol consumption to designated areas, and implementing hydration stations, among other measures.
How could this study be useful for academic institutions?
The study can assist academic institutions in understanding the risks associated with pregaming and other high-risk drinking behaviors. This understanding could lead to the formulation of targeted risk-management policies and preventive initiatives aimed at enhancing student safety.
What future research does the study recommend?
The study recommends further research into programs and policies that could restrict pregaming activities and minimize associated harms. This could include examining subjects over a longer period and implementing different types of interventions.
More about Pregaming and Substance Use in University Students
- Substance Use & Misuse Journal
- Texas A&M University School of Public Health
- CDC: College Drinking
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: College Drinking
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration: College Students
6 comments
The study’s good but I’m curious about the suggested measures. Text msgs on game days? Really? Not sure that’s gonna cut it.
This makes so much sense, honestly. Most ppl don’t consider pregaming as risky coz it’s so normalized. Universities really need to step up.
eh, not really surprised here. Tailgating and pregaming are rites of passage in college, but they definitely come with their issues. Time for some new rules, perhaps?
I find it a bit unfair that the study only included students who already broke the alcohol policy. Seems a bit biased, don’t ya think?
Wow, this study is kinda eye-opening. never really thought pregaming would be this problematic, but looks like its time to rethink.
Wow, a two-day increase in alcohol use frequency for each pregaming event? Thats alarming. Definitely need some serious policy change.