Patterns of drinking alcohol and intentions to binge drink among medical students in Vietnam

This study aims to establish drinking patterns and examine the factors underlying Vietnamese medical students ’ binge drinking intention and behaviour. This study used a prospective-correlational design, with two waves of data collection, drawing from established health behaviour models. At Time 1, 206 students completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, the standard Theory of Planned Behaviou r measures (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) and their underlying beliefs, as well as group norm, role identity, drinking culture and past binge drinking behaviour. At Time 2, 156 medical students reported their binge drinking behaviour 2 weeks later. Only 6.8% of partici pants were classified as problematic drinkers and few participants reported binge drinking occasions at the 2-week follow-up. Perceived behavioural control, friends’ group norms, role identity as future doctors, and past behaviour significantly predicted binge drinking intentions and key beliefs w ere identified. This study indicated Vietnamese medical students’ limited engagement with binge drinking and identified key factors to address for those with risky drinking behaviour intentions.
Source: Health Education Research - Category: Research Source Type: research