Understanding risky single occasion drinking and links to harms among young Australians

Young Australians frequently engage in risky single occasion drinking. This drinking pattern is associated with a variety of harms including increased risk of accidents, exposure to violence and risky sex. We conducted a study to better understand this issue.

Objective

Most research on alcohol consumption has focused on normative drinking behaviours within the past year rather than on the specific circumstances of a single occasion. The aim of this study is to examine specific occasions of high risk by young people to understand the specifics of drinking contexts and links to harms.

The study involves analysis of quantitative data collected through the 'Mobile intervention for drinking in young people' (MIDY) study. The MIDY study is a sample of young high-risk drinkers recruited across Australia during 2018.

Approach

We collected data by mobile phone every Friday and Saturday night over a period of 6 weeks. The survey included questions about alcohol consumption, spending, mood, location, water consumption and use of social media.

Participants also completed a follow-up survey where they reported on hangovers and other adverse outcomes related to drinking the next day.

The project also involved quantitative analysis of data to better understand the patterns of drinking and related behaviours. Findings from the project present a unique picture of drinking behaviour in young Australians on nights out.

Timeline

2011–2017.