Predictive Factors of Alcohol Consumption Preventive Behaviors among Undergraduate Students at a University in Chonburi Province

Abstract

Preventive behavior against alcohol consumption is a health-promoting behavior that helps reduce the risk of alcohol-related diseases. This study employed a survey research design to investigate the predictive factors of alcohol prevention behavior among undergraduate students at a university in Chonburi Province. The sample consisted of 378 undergraduate students. Data collection was conducted in February 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results revealed that alcohol prevention behavior significantly varied by age, academic year, monthly income, and place of residence (p < 0.05).

Pearson’s correlation analysis between health belief model constructs and alcohol prevention behavior showed that perceived benefits of alcohol prevention (r = -0.307, p < 0.001), perceived barriers to alcohol prevention (r = -0.692, p < 0.001), and social support for alcohol prevention behavior (r = -0.531, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with alcohol prevention behavior. Conversely, perceived severity of alcohol-related diseases (r = 0.327, p < 0.001) and perceived susceptibility to alcohol-related diseases (r = 0.215, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with such behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis identified nine significant predictors of alcohol prevention behavior: perceived barriers, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, social support, drinking experience, age, income, and on-campus residence. These factors collectively explained 77.8% of the variance in alcohol prevention behavior. It is recommended that educational institutions organize campaigns and raise awareness regarding the consequences of alcohol consumption, such as implementing an “Alcohol-Free University” project. These efforts should be integrated with relevant stakeholders who are authorized to enforce the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and related laws to monitor advertising and sales promotions around university premises.