Objective

To assess the influence that alcohol outlet density, off and on-alcohol premises, and alcohol consumption wield on the consumption patterns of young pre-university students in Galicia (Spain).

Method

A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of students of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Compostela Cohort 2016) was carried out. Consumption prevalence were calculated for each of the municipalities from the first-cycle students' home residence during the year prior to admission. The association with risky alcohol consumption (RC) and binge-drinking (BD) was assessed with a logistic model considering as independent variables the municipality population, alcohol outlet density of off premises, density of off and on premises and total density of both types of premises in the municipality.

Results

The prevalence of RC was 60.5% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 58.4-62.5) and the BD was 28.5% (95%CI: 26.7-30.2). A great variability was observed according to the municipality of provenance. The multivariate logistic model showed municipalities with a density of 8.42-9.34 of both types of premises per thousand inhabitants presented a higher risk of RC (odds ratio [OR]: 1,39; 95%CI: 1.09-1.78) and BD (OR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.01-1.66).

Conclusion

These data suggest the importance of including environmental information when studying alcohol consumption. Knowing our environment better could help plan policies that encourage healthier behaviour in the population.

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