Athlete wellness: Examining the risk of alcohol use disorder in collegiate athletes and non-athletes

Abstract

Objectives

Previous research has demonstrated that collegiate student-athletes drink more, binge drink more, and can have more alcohol-related consequences compared to non-athletes. Little is known if student-athletes are at a greater risk than non-athletes for alcohol use disorder. This study aimed to analyze disparities in alcohol use disorder risk between college athletes and non-athletes and evaluate the moderating effect of psychological well-being on this relationship.

Design

This study utilized a cross-sectional study design.

Methods

We utilized data collected between Fall 2019 and Fall 2022 from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment version III. Data were analyzed from 220,798 participants with multiple logistic regression models to generate adjusted odds ratios for high alcohol use disorder risk.

Results

A dose–response relationship was observed in which at lower psychological well-being levels, the odds of being at high risk for alcohol use disorder increased for athletes when compared to non-athletes. As psychological well-being levels increased, the odds were attenuated. Sensitivity analyses revealed similar dose–effect relationships when moderate or high alcohol use disorder risk and a continuous risk score were used as the outcome.

Conclusions

A dose–response relationship is present between psychological well-being and alcohol use disorder risk in which lower psychological well-being is associated with higher alcohol use disorder risk for athletes compared to non-athletes. The relationship between psychological well-being and alcohol use disorder risk among collegiate athletes reveals the need for holistic interventions that address the stressors that are predisposing athletes to higher alcohol use disorder risk.