College Students' Underestimation of Blood Alcohol Concentration from Hypothetical Consumption of Supersized Alcopops: Results from a Cluster‐Randomized Classroom Study. (30th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossheim, Matthew E.; Thombs, Dennis L.; Krall, Jenna R.; Jernigan, David H.
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism. Volume 42:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1271
• Page End: 1280
• Publication Date: 2018-05-30
• Subjects: Flavored Alcoholic Beverages -- Flavored Malt Beverages -- Four Loko -- Warning Labels -- Youth Drinking‐Driving; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoolisme; Electronic journals; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.13764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-6008

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Supersized alcopops are a class of single‐serving beverages popular among underage drinkers. These products contain large quantities of alcohol. This study examines the extent to which young adults recognize how intoxicated they would become from consuming these products. Methods: The study sample included 309 undergraduates who had consumed alcohol within the past year. Thirty‐two sections of a college English course were randomized to 1 of 2 survey conditions, based on hypothetical consumption of supersized alcopops or beer of comparable liquid volume. Students were provided an empty can of 1 of the 2 beverages to help them answer the survey questions. Equation‐calculated blood alcohol concentrations (BACs)—based on body weight and sex—were compared to the students' self‐estimated BACs for consuming 1, 2, and 3 cans of the beverage provided to them. Results: In adjusted regression models, students randomized to the supersized alcopop group greatly underestimated their BAC, whereas students randomized to the beer group overestimated it. The supersized alcopop group underestimated their BAC by 0.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.034, 0.053), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.067, 0.107), and 0.13 g/dl (95% CI: 0.097, 0.163) compared to the beer group. When asked how much alcohol they could consume before it would be unsafe to drive, students in the supersized alcopop group had 7 times the odds of estimating consumption that would generate a calculated BAC of at least 0.08 g/dl, compared to those making estimates based on beer consumption (95% CI: 3.734, 13.025). Conclusions: Students underestimated the intoxication they would experience from consuming supersized alcopops. Revised product warning labels are urgently needed to clearly identify the number of standard drinks contained in a supersized alcopop can. Moreover, regulations are needed to limit alcohol content of single‐serving products. Abstract : Supersized alcopops are a class of single‐serving beverages that contain large quantities of alcohol and are popular among underage drinkers. Results from this classroom‐randomized study indicate that college students substantially underestimate how intoxicated they would become from consuming supersized alcopops relative to beer of comparable liquid volume. There is an urgent need to revise the warning labels on these products. Furthermore, regulatory action should be taken to reduce the alcohol content of these products.