Method: During Mouth Cancer Action Week in November 2008 a short questionnaire was completed by people attending the University of Dundee Students Union. This assessed some of their knowledge, beliefs and behaviour towards alcohol consumption.
Results: A total of 298 questionnaires were completed (48% males, 52% females) Approximately 50% were aware that alcohol was a risk factor. Knowledge of the UK safe limits on alcohol intake was poor (approx 25%) as was estimation of the units of alcohol within drinks they frequently consume.
Conclusions: The results show that students admit to regularly exceeding the UK safe limits, but since they frequently underestimate the number of units of alcohol in a drink, they are likely to be consuming even more alcohol than they think they are! This has implications for the rising alcohol problem in Scotland and suggests greater education is needed.