Risk consumption of alcohol increased by 5 percentage points among female students between 2021 and 2024, the increase being most prominent in those aged 22 to 24. Risk consumption of alcohol in male students was unchanged during the same period. The findings come from the Finnish Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (KOTT) conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in 2024. A total of 3,600 students from higher education institutions participated in the survey during spring 2024.
Risk consumption was reported in almost one third of the students: in 33% of males and in approximately 28% of females. Among females the risk consumption of alcohol was more common in those younger than 24 than in those aged 25 and older. In males the risk consumption of alcohol was less common in those aged 30 to 34 than in younger age groups.
Increased alcohol consumption seen during the early years of studying
Alcohol consumption among students is strongly associated with student events. Alcohol consumption is notably higher during the early years of studying, when events are organised to help students get to know each other. Later on, alcohol consumption is usually more moderate.
However, during the last decade there has been an increase in the number of students who abstain either partially or completely from drinking alcohol. “Nowadays you don’t have to explain why you don’t drink alcohol at events, and non-alcoholic options are more often available”, says FSHS public health nurse Maarit Leino.
Some students may, however, have the wrong perception about how moderate their drinking really is. “When I ask students about the amount of alcohol they consume, many say it’s just the same as other students. But the actual amounts may turn out to be surprisingly big.”
Alcohol consumption is linked to many other health issues
Students are asked about their alcohol consumption during appointments at the FSHS. It is discussed for example when talking with students about their eating habits, mental issues or loneliness. “We may, for example, go through the effects of alcohol on sleeping problems and time management challenges. Students aren’t always aware of these issues when talking about the effects of their alcohol consumption”, says Leino.
The FSHS provides support to help reduce alcohol consumption
The FSHS’s professionals work together, and it is possible to consult for example a doctor or a mental health nurse about issues related to alcohol consumption.
Leino points out that students are always keen to make changes to improve their quality of life. “If it becomes apparent during the appointment that there’s a need for a broader assessment of their alcohol consumption, many students are willing to change their habits. They really want to make things better.”