Alcohol use among male and female university students in Mexico: Reasons for drinking

Background: To examine alcohol use and alcohol-related risk and protective factors among first year university students in Mexico. Methods: In 2012, 23,026 public university students in Mexico City ages 17-20 were surveyed about their alcohol use. Multiple logistic regression models examined associations between potential risk and protective factors and alcohol use. Results: 17,132 (74%) students were ever drinkers; 15,381 (67%) were current drinkers. Male and female current drinkers who drank because of the taste, for pleasure or increased social confidence had significantly increased odds of drinking 2-4 times a month, 2+ times a week and 5+ drinks per occasion. Students drinking because they like the taste or for enjoyment had the highest odds of drinking 2+ times a week (AOR males taste = 2.66 (2.05, 3.44); AOR males enjoyment = 2.22 (1.74, 2.84); AOR females taste = 2.72 (1.91, 3.85); AOR females enjoyment = 3.59 (2.58, 4.99)). Those drinking for enjoyment or increased confidence had the highest odds of drinking 5+ drinks per occasion (AOR males enjoyment = 2.18 (1.90, 2.51); (AOR males confidence=-1.97 (1.35, 2.88); AOR females enjoyment = 2.37 (2.06, 2.72); AOR females confidence= 2.04 (1.12, 3.71)). Females who drank because of an altercation with a partner had increased odds of drinking 5+ per occasion (AOR = 2.04 (1.32, 3.16). Conclusion: Reasons for consuming alcohol may influence drinking frequency and quantity. Male and female Mexican students report similar reasons with females providing alcohol-related social rationale. Drinking rationales that heighten or protect against misuse and risk need further study