Adam Kurilla
A. Kurilla1,2,3, M. Hajdúk2,3,4, A. Heretik2,3, J. Pečeňák3,4, M. Turček3,4, D. Dančík2,3,4, A. Straková2,3, J. Januška2,3. 1Center for Treatment of Drug Dependencies, Slovak Republic; 2Department of Psychology, Comenius University, Slovak Republic; 3The Center for Psychiatric Disorders Research, Comenius University, Slovak Republic; 4Department of Psychiatry, Comenius University, Slovak Republic
Background: Distinct subgroups based on drinking severity can be identified in college students. Subgroups with higher problems associated with drinking usually show more accompanied psychopathological symptoms. The aims of the current study were twofold. First, to identify potential homogenous subgroups of alcohol users based on their drinking patterns. Second, to compare identified subgroups on demographics, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience.
Methods: Participants (n = 1282; 80% female) were recruited for a larger study focusing on mental health among college students during lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The mean age was 22.06 years (SD = 3.31). They completed an online survey during the peak of the second wave of the epidemic. We utilized the Latent Class Analysis (LCA) on AUDIT items to estimate different drinking pattern groups. These were thereafter compared in demographical and psychopathological characteristics.
Results: Results of the LCA estimated 3 or 4 subgroup solutions. We leaned toward a solution with three classes: problem drinkers (9.4%), at-risk drinkers (35.4%), and light drinkers (55.2%). When comparing the groups, problem drinkers had the highest levels of perceived stress, depression, and anxiety, and the lowest rates of resilience.
Conclusion: Among three distinct profiles of drinking, the most severe subgroup was also characterized by increased perceived stress, higher levels of depression and anxiety, and low resilience. Some differences of our subgroups with the findings of previous research can be attributed to the situation associated with the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 and the resulting state measures. (This work is supported in part by the Humphrey Fellowship Program under a grant from the U.S Department of State, Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs. The work reflects the authors' views and not necessarily the views of their employers or the Department of State. This work is also result of the following project implementation: Comenius University Science Park supported by the Research and Development Operational Program funded by the ERDF, grant number: ITMS 26240220086.)