A duty of care: non-drinkers and alcohol related harm among an Australian university sample

Date

2011

Authors

Mikhailovich, Katja
George, Amanda
Rickwood, Debra
Parker, Rhian

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Carfax Publishing, Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract

Studies documenting the harm associated with excessive drinking amongst university students are numerous. Fewer studies have explored the experience of non-drinkers in the university setting. In 2008, 826 students aged 18-29 years responded to an online survey aiming to investigate alcohol use and alcohol related harm at an Australian university. In addition, focus groups were conducted with drinkers and non-drinkers exploring their experience of alcohol exposure at university. This paper reports on the reasons students choose not to drink alcohol and on alcohol related harm witnessed or experienced by non-drinkers and drinkers. The results indicated that most non-drinkers reported health concerns as the main reason for not drinking and reported witnessing a range of alcohol related harm including disturbances to sleep, property damage, verbal abuse, driving after drinking and intimidation of international students. The paper discusses the duty of care implications for university administrators.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: alcohol; harm; non-drinkers; university students

Citation

Source

Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until