Citation

Nguyen N, Walters ST, Rinker DV, Wyatt TM, Dejong W. Addict. Behav. 2011; 36(7): 759-761.

Affiliation

The University of Texas School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.01.035

PMID

21371826

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: One way that underage drinkers procure alcohol is by using a fake ID. This study examined demographic characteristics and alcohol-related problems associated with fake ID ownership among incoming first-year college students. METHOD: We examined baseline data collected as part of a web-based alcohol education program that had been completed by a large, cross-sectional sample of incoming college freshmen from across the US. RESULTS: Only 7.7% of incoming freshmen reported owning a fake ID. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the odds of owning a fake ID were significantly increased by intent to join or current membership in a fraternity or sorority (OR=2.00; 95% CI=1.64,2.44; p<0.0001), having taken the survey after the start of fall classes (OR=1.27; 95% CI=1.01, 1.59; p=0.04), reporting 1 heavy drinking episode in the past two weeks (OR=1.28; 95% CI=0.97,1.68; p=0.01), reporting 2 or more such episodes (OR=2.78; 95% CI=2.10,3.66; p<0.0001), experiencing external harms related to alcohol use (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.01,1.61; p=0.01), and drinking and driving (OR=1.34; 95% CI=1.03,1.75; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Fake ID ownership was associated with intent to join or current membership in a fraternity/sorority and with reports of heavy drinking episodes, alcohol-related problems, and drinking and driving. Fake ID owners and incoming college students seeking fraternity or sorority membership should be targeted for multiple interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms.

Language: en