Alcohol Use by Occupational Therapy Students: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess incidence of alcohol use by occupational therapy students, their likelihood of engagement in unprofessional or risky behaviors stemming from alcohol use, and impact of life stressors and coping strategies. Questionnaires sent to 200 occupational therapy students resulted in 77 completed surveys. Responses indicate nine out of ten students had used alcohol within the previous year. Of these, over one third reported engaging in behaviors they later regretted. Coursework, tests, and competition were rated high as stressors, while support from friends and family were utilized coping sources.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic stress
• alcohol abuse
• coping
• occupational therapy students
• risky behaviors
• substance abuse