Evolution of the Risk of Problematic Alcohol Use in University Students: A Longitudinal Study Based on the uniHcos Cohort Data

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the evolution of problematic alcohol use among Spanish university students. A longitudinal analysis was performed on data from the uniHcos cohort (n = 1181; 76.7% female). Participants were assessed at university entry (T1) and after 2–3 years (T2). The overall alcohol consumption prevalence remained high and stable (past 30-days alcohol use 76.2% at T1; 76.4% at T2). Binge drinking practice in the past 30 days was also consistent (44.0% at T1; 44.3% at T2). Regarding the risk of problematic alcohol (measured with AUDIT), the prevalence rates remained stable over time (28.2% in T1 to 30.3% in T2). However, a high persistence rate was observed during university (61% of cases), and 18% of new incident cases were detected during follow-up. Factors associated with an increased risk of problematic alcohol included cohabitation with peers, psychological distress, smoking, and drug experimentation. No sex differences were identified. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies to address increasing risky alcohol use among university students and mitigate its long-term effects.