Undergraduate Knowledge And Experience of Alcohol During Mouth Cancer Week

Objectives: Although mouth cancer presentation is largely in those over the age of 50 years, student excessive alcohol consumption may indicate an increased risk for mouth cancer. Furthermore habits acquired early in life may be perpetuated and influence subsequent risk.

To assess undergraduate student knowledge and experience of alcohol during Mouth Cancer Week in 2016.
Methods: An awareness raising campaign for mouth cancer was held within the University of Dundee Students’ Union. Dental students approached individuals to complete a questionnaire recording; age bracket, gender, alcohol and tobacco use, knowledge of alcohol consumption guidelines, alcohol linked behaviour and experiences. Potential alcohol related harm was gauged by the first question of the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FASTQ1).
Results: N= 483. 79% were in the age bracket of 18 to 24 years, 57% were female. Almost one quarter considered that they were at risk of mouth cancer. Perceived maximum units per day for men ranged from 0-50 (mean = 3.95), the upper limit of weekly recommended units ranged from 0-250 (mean= 18.08).For women the respective figures were 0-21 (mean=2.87); and 0-100 (mean 13.55). 84% of students admitted to drinking alcohol, with almost 1 in 5 smokers. Based on the FASTQ1 over 40% of respondents would qualify for an Alcohol Brief Intervention. Almost 1 in 5 drink to get drunk 100% of the time when they do drink.
Conclusions: The results support the perception of a culture of high intensity infrequent drinking by University students. A range of alcohol related harms and inappropriate (potentially damaging) experiences, both suffered and instigated were reported. This study suggests that more could be done to raise awareness of potential harms arising from alcohol misuse. This begs the question as to whether there is a role for the University in regard to its duty of care.