Korean J Fam Pract.  2022 Sep;12(4):223-229. 10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.223.

Relationship of Psychosocial Factors and Alcohol Hangover in University Students

• Kim MS
• Park KW
• Lee HJ
• Ryu KY
• Baek SY
• Park WJ
• Oh MK

• KMID: 2533234
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.223

Abstract

Background
The drinking rate among college students is increasing, which increases the incidence of hangover. However, research is lacking on college students’ hangover experiences and the associated psychological issues. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the general characteristics of the hangover experience and the association between hangover experience and psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Methods
A total of 1,188 students at 4 universities located in Gangneung were surveyed. We analyzed the association between their hangover experience and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems using SPSS statistical software.
Results
The male students with hangover reported experiencing insomnia (odds ratio [OR], 1.957; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.087–3.523), depressive tendencies (OR, 2.260; 95% CI, 1.533–3.332), anxious tendencies (OR, 1.826; 95% CI, 1.220–2.733), and stress risk (OR, 1.931; 95% CI, 1.161–3.231). The female students with hangover reported experiencing insomnia (OR, 2.839; 95% CI, 1.409–5.722), depressive tendencies (OR, 3.000; 95% CI, 1.817–4.954), and anxious tendencies (OR, 1.728; 95% CI, 1.059–2.819).
Conclusion
More female than male students in this study had experienced a hangover. The male and female students with hangover reported experiencing insomnia, depressive tendencies, and anxious tendencies. However, the association between hangover and stress risk was statistically significant among the male students only.

Keyword

Alcohol Drinking; Hangover; Insomnia; Depression; Anxiety; Psychological Stress