Investigating risk factors predictive of problem outcomes experienced by first year drinking and non-drinking collegiate student-athletes

This study examined risk factors for problem outcomes experienced by drinking and non-drinking first year collegiate student-athletes. Freshman and transfer student-athletes (N=2956) reported their alcohol use, problems experienced and demographic/sport-related data via an online survey. We hypothesized extreme drinking, male, out-of-season, team sport and Division III would significantly predict experiencing more alcohol, sport and other-related problem outcomes. Results suggest that out-of- season, team sport and light, heavy or extreme drinking (versus non-drinking) student-athletes were more likely to report alcohol-related problems. Female and in-season student-athletes were more likely to experience sport-related problems. Other problem outcomes were more likely to be experienced by heavy and extreme drinkers but not light drinkers. Findings should guide prevention programming that targets high-risk student-athlete groups.