Correlates of Alcohol-Related Unintentional Injury in Varsity Athletes

Background:

Alcohol-related unintentional injury (ARUI) is an under-examined consequence of alcohol consumption in the college athlete population. This investigation is critical since no studies to date have explored ARUI risk factors in a nationally representative sample of undergraduate varsity athletes.

Methods:

A backwards-stepwise logistic regression was conducted on a sample of undergraduate varsity athletes who drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime from the Fall 2011 National College Health Assessment IIB survey data (n = 3012) to determine individual and institution factors increasing odds of reporting one or more ARUIs in the past 12 months.

Results:

Among the sample, the ARUI prevalence was 15.4%. Varsity athletes reporting at least one ARUI in the past 12 months (vs. athletes not reporting an ARUI) were more likely to report intramural sports participation, aOR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.10, 1.78, infrequent cigarette smoking, aOR = 1.70, 95%CI 1.31-2.23, and illegal drug use in past 30 days, aOR = 2.10, 95%CI 1.37-3.21. Moreover, alcohol consumption on 2-6 days per week, increased frequency of binge drinking, and never or only sometimes engaging in protective drinking behaviors (i.e., avoiding party games, pacing drinks, and using a designated driver) were statistically associated with increased odds of reporting one or more ARUIs in the past 12 months.

Conclusion:

Identifying factors influencing alcohol-related injury in varsity athletes will support campus interventions to achieve Healthy Campus 2020 goals regarding high-risk alcohol consumption and consequences. These findings will provide evidence to university health centers and athletic trainers to tailor prevention efforts.