The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Preference of ...

The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Preference of University Students: a Preliminary Romanian Case Study Liana-Claudia SALANŢĂ, Maria TOFANĂ*, Elena MUDURA, Carmen POP, Anamaria POP, Teodora COLDEA

Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania. *Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected] Bulletin UASVM Food Science and Technology 73(1) / 2016 ISSN-L 2344-2344; Print ISSN 2344-2344; Electronic ISSN 2344-5300 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:11984

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to analyze the current alcohol consumption situation with special attention being paid to the preferences of university students. The study was carried out on a total of 615 students (men and women) from University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania. A general questionnaire assessed alcoholic beverage preference. According to the general questionnaire, alcoholic beverage preferences are the similar between men and women. Beer and wine were the alcoholic beverages ranked in the top of preferences by the students from UASVM. The most respondents are attracted by flavor and aroma of the favourite beverage. From statistical analysis alcoholic beverage preferences are not influenced by socio demographics factors (age and residence). This study offers information to education specialists, public health organizations and different organizations (prevention education programs). Keywords: alcohol consumption, alcoholic beverage preference, university students, Romania

INTRODUCTION Alcohol has been widely consumed since prehistoric times by people around the world. As a component of the standard diet for hygienic or medical reasons, for its relaxants and euphoric effects, for recreational purposes, for artistic inspiration as aphrodisiacs and for other reasons (Keller, 2008). Recent years have seen the consumption of alcohol at population level reach an historical high, coupled with an increase in alcohol’s availability and affordability (Seaman and Ikegwuonu, 2010). High levels of alcohol consumption and increases in heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking) are a growing public concern, due to their association with increased risk of personal and societal harm (Attwood et al., 2012; World Health Organisation, 2014; Scholz at al., 2016).

Alcohol consumption, globally, is the third major risk factor for health. Especially young people are more vulnerable to the consequences of alcohol consumption. There are a variety of problems related to alcohol that can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families and can significantly affect the community (Constantinescu and Constantinescu, 2012). Alcohol consumption in Romania is among the highest in the world. Registered average alcohol consumption per capita in Europe is 9.51 liters, in Romania this level is 11.3 liters. It is estimated that in Romania, unregistered consumption of pure alcohol per capita is 4.0 liters, making the total figure to reach 15.3 liters. Compared with other countries from Europe, only seven other countries (Russia, Ukraine, Andorra,

34

Czech Republic, Moldova, Estonia and Hungary) the average alcohol consumption is slightly higher (World Health Organisation, 2011). Young people’s consumption of alcohol is an ongoing problem. Many young adults drink alcohol excessively in binges, with resulting serious negative consequences (Cox et al., 2006). It is estimated that alcohol is responsible for 7.4% of the problems that affect health and cause premature death in the EU, young people are most exposed, especially 15-29 age group (Constantinescu and Constantinescu, 2012). Excessive alcohol use has been shown to be associated with social motives: various adverse consequences and health problems such as fatal and non-fatal injuries, blackouts, suicide attempts, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, academic failure, and violence (Kuntsche et al., 2005). It is clear that alcohol consumption of any type has both health benefits and health costs. From a public policy perspective the focus is usually on the costs, and mainly because there are significant external costs (Freeman, 2012). Adolescents and young adults, who often drink large quantities of alcohol at one time, are more likely than other age groups to experience problems such as alcohol poisoning and alcoholrelated road traffic crashes, assaults and other injuries (White and Hingson, 2013). Adolescents and young adults drink for social or enhancement reasons in the sense of enjoyment. The habitual consumption of a specific type of beverage may be related to chemosensory perception. Behavior of young people from alcohol consumption is influenced by the environment in which they live. The most influential factors are the price of alcohol, the assortment of alcohol, the number of alcohol outlets (stores and bars, restaurants, discos), the intensity of the marketing of alcohol (Constantinescu and Constantinescu, 2012). The aim of this study were to determine (1) the types of alcoholic beverages preferred by university students and how these beverage preferences differ among demographic groups and (2) how alcoholic beverage preferences differ by socio demographics factors (age and residence).

Bulletin UASVM Food Science and Technology 73(1) / 2016

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SALANŢĂ et al.

Participants Students from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, Romania, were invited to take part to the study. The students were from the five faculties of our university: Faculty of Agriculture (8.8 %), Faculty of Horticulture (10.3 %), Faculty of Zootechny and Biotechnology (8.9 %), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (22 %) and Faculty of Food Science and Technology (50 %). The research method was survey made through questionnaires administered to a total of 615 students. Inadvertently, nine participants indicated not drinking any alcohol and were excluded from the analysis. The final sample (n=606) consisted of 236 males and 370 females. For this preliminary study, data collection was conducted from February to March 2016. The university students were from throughout Romania (Transylvania, Moldavia, Bucovina, Muntenia, Dobrogea). The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Voluntary completion of the self-administered questionnaire was considered to imply informed consent. Statistical analysis The program SPSS Statistics 17.0 was used for the interpretation of the results, which is a comprehensive system for analyzing data.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Bivariate analysis Very little is known about the types of alcoholic beverages preferred by university students in Romania. Beverage type preferences were analyzed by demographic and sociodemographically factors. Hypothesis no. 1. Age influences the preferred type of alcoholic beverage (Table 1)

In this case the variable „age in completed years” is an independent ratio variable, through which we explain the variable “preferred alcoholic beverage „which is a nominal variable, in this case, being dependent. As we are talking about ratio and

The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Preference of University Students: a Preliminary Romanian Case Study

nominal variable, statistical test that will check the hypothesis is comparison of average. The value of Sig. from Table 2, indicates that there is no significant relation between the variables, and the value of Eta2 (Table 3) indicates that the independent value explain in proportion of 0,5 %, the dependent variable. Hypothesis No. 2. Age influences the criteria that lead people to choose a drink (Table 4)

Being a student typifies the socially open nature of young adulthood: living in an absence of parental supervision, with loans and parttime work as income, and with new contacts and friendships made. However, being a student also

35

underlines how incomplete the transition to full independence is (Seaman and Ikegwuonu, 2010). In this case the variable „age in completed years” is an independent ratio variable, through which we explain „what most attracts to favorite beverage” which is a nominal variable, in this case, being dependent. As we are talking about a ratio and nominal variable, statistical test that will check the hypothesis is comparison of average. The value of Sig. from Anova analysis indicates that there is no significant relation between the variables and the value of Eta2 explain this in the proportion of 1 %, the dependent variable. Hypothesis no. 3. Gender influences preferred alcoholic beverage (Table 5)

Tab. 1. The age influences the preferred type of alcoholic beverage Age 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Total

Mean 2,93 3,48 3,36 3,31 2,89 3,19 3,06 2,40 3,17

Tab. 2. Anova table The favorite alcoholic

drink * Age

N 14 64 101 159 150 68 35 15 606

(Combined)

Sum of Squares 35,097

Within Groups

6615,054

Between Groups Linearity

Deviation from Linearity Total

The favorite alcoholic drink * Age

7

Mean Square 5,014

598

11,062

df

15,341 19,757

6650,152

Tab. 3. Measure of association

St. Deviation 3,872 3,418 3,267 3,680 2,971 3,347 3,180 2,197 3,315

1

15,341

6

605

3,293

F

Sig.

,453

,868

1,387 ,298

R

R Squared

Eta

Eta Squared

-,048

,002

,073

,005

,239 ,938


36

SALANŢĂ et al.

Romania has a long tradition related to alcohol consumption. Daily consumption of alcohol is common, especially in rural areas, is considered a normal lifestyle. Alcoholic drinks are called homemade brandy or țuica, is distilled alcoholic beverages with alcohol concentration of 40%. They are made from fruits such as apples, plums and pears. Wine and spirits are often considered homemade natural and healthy as they made their fruit without chemical additives. Identifying the types of alcoholic beverages that youth consume would contribute toward a better understanding of the motivating factors Tab. 4. Age influences the criteria that lead people to choose a drink Age 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Total

Mean 3,07 3,00 3,01 3,03 3,03 3,07 2,97 3,13 3,03

N 14 64 101 159 150 68 35 15 606

Std. Deviation ,267 ,436 ,100 ,274 ,305 ,315 ,382 ,516 ,303

Tab. 5. The favourite alcoholic drink

underlying underage drinking behavior (Siegel et al., 2011). In this case we are talking about two variables measured at nominal level. The hypothesis will be tested by association. As we can see from the table 5, most of the women surveyed preferred wine, 180 of the respondents saying so, followed by 71 women who said they prefer beer. Regarding men, the table indicates that, as women, they rank among the favorite, wine (n=85) and beer (n=79). Wine was the strongly preferred alcoholic beverage of choice (43.73%), followed by beer (24.75%), low alcoholic beverages (7.43%), vodka (6.60%) and liqueur (4.95%) with a very low preference for țuica (0.66%) or bitter and vermouth (0.66%). Romania has an important market for red wines and dry wines. Each sensory or non-sensory attributes of the wine have an important role in wine consumer decision (Lădaru and Beciu, 2014). Romanian wines are increasingly appreciated lately. Several studies reported the autochthonous to Romania wines varieties and their by-products having beneficial effects to human health (Banc et al., 2014; Coldea et al., 2014; Geana et al., 2014; Moldovan et al., 2015; Schmutzer et al., 2012; Vârva et al., 2015). Beer is one of the world’s most popular beverage products. Beer contains a large variety

Types of beverages

Wine Beer Vodka Cognac Whisky Liqueur Tuica Gin Rum Tequila

Gender F 85 79 M 180 71 Total 265 150

13 27 40

8 2 10

20 11 31

Tab. 6. Chi-Square Tests Pearson Chi-Square Likelihood Ratio Linear-by-Linear Association N of Valid Cases

9 21 30

1 3 4

2 5 7

5 4 9

Value

df

47,064a 48,992 1,675 606

12 12 1

4 6 10

Total Bitter and Low Others vermouth alcohol 0 4 4

Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) ,000 ,000 ,196

a. 11 cells (42,3%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is ,39.


9 36 45

1 0 1

236 370 606

37

The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Preference of University Students: a Preliminary Romanian Case Study

of phenolic compounds, which derive from the processed cereal (70%) and hops (30%) and which are responsible for the antioxidant activity of the beverage. Moderate drinking of beer brings significant benefits to human health. These are the results of extensive studies conducted in the entire world about beneficial effects of bioactive compounds in beer (Mudura and Coldea, 2015; (Mudura et al., 2010; Mudura et al. 2009). Alcohol affects women differently and more dangerously than men. It’s not just a question of body size: women’s ratio of body fat to muscle is different from men; internally they have less water to dilute the alcohol in their blood stream; and their hormones react differently to alcohol. This means alcohol can have a more intense and devastating impact on women physically, not to mention emotionally and socially (Johnston, 2013). It has been reported that people who differ regarding alcoholic beverage preferences also differ in health-related habits, drinking patterns, smoching and personal characteristics (Alcacera et al., 2007). Since this is an association between two variables, we generated Hi2 (Table 6). The Hi2 coefficient indicates that there is a significant relation between variables (gender and favourite beverage), the value is 0.

Hypothesis No. 4. Place of residence influences the preferred type of alcoholic beverage Geographic location can be an important factor in determining a person’s level of risk for alcoholrelated problems. Certain factors associated with living in an urban or rural area may increase risk, while others may be protective (Young and Joe, 2009). In this case we are talking about two variables measured at nominal level. The hypothesis will be tested by association. As we can see from the table 7, most respondents from urban areas prefer wine, 203 of the respondents saying so, followed by 115 representatives of urban areas who said they prefer beer. As regards the rural areas, the table indicates that like those from rural areas, these place on top of their preferences wine (n=61) and beer (n=35). The Hi2 coefficient (0,314) that there is not any significant relation between the two variables (residence and favourite beverage). Hypothesis no. 5. Gender influences criteria that lead people to choose the favourite beverage

In this case we are talking about two variables measured at nominal level. The hypothesis will be tested by association. As we can see from the table 8, most respondents both male and female participants in the study, say that the flavor and aroma attracts them most to the favourite

Tab. 7. Place of residence influences the preferred type of alcoholic beverage Types of beverages

Residence Rural Urban Total

Total

Bitter and Low Wine Beer Vodka Cognac Whisky Liqueur Tuica Gin Rum Tequila Others vermouth alcohol 61 35 203 115 264 150

8 32 40

2 8 10

7 24 31

9 21 30

3 1 4

3 4 7

4 5 9

2 8 10

0 4 4

15 30 45

Tab. 8. Gender influences criteria that lead people to choose the favourite beverage Gender M F Total

Colour 2 3 5

Smell 0 1 1

Qualities Taste and Aroma 219 358 577

Alcohol concentration 12 7 19

Others 3 1 4

0 1 1

149 456 605

Total 236 370 606


38

SALANŢĂ et al.

beverage. ). The Hi2 coefficient (0,314) that there is not any significant relation between the two variables (gender and criteria that lead people to choose the favourite beverage). From the statistical analysis the most respondents from urban and rural areas are attracted by flavor and aroma of favourite beverage. The strength of the present study is the relatively large number of participants, their geographic diversity throughout Romania, also the sample is relatively homogeneous demographic and socio-demographically but heterogeneous with regard to beverage preference so that adequate comparisons can be made between beverage-preference categories.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the general questionnaire, alcoholic beverage preferences are the similar between men and women. Beer and wine were the alcoholic beverages ranked in the top of preferences by the students from UASVM. From statistical analysis alcoholic beverage preferences are not influenced by socio demographics factors (age and residence). The most respondents are attracted by flavor and aroma of the favourite beverage. Taste is one of the main factors deter mining beverage choices. The flavour of beverages is important in explaining some drinking behaviors such as overconsumption. The habitual consumption of a specific type of beverage may be related to chemosensory perception. The next studies will focus to evaluate the role that sensory capabilities play in the perception, preference and consumption of special beer among university students. This study offers information to education specialists, public health organizations and diffe rent organizations (prevention education pro grams). Acknowledgements. The present study was supported by a grant (Ref EA 15 45), from the European Foundation for Alcohol Research (ERAB), Belgium.

REFERENCES

1. Alcacera MA, Marques-Lopes I, Fajo-Pascual M, Puzo Foncillas J, Carmona-Torre F, Martınez-Gonzalez MA (2007). Alcoholic beverage preference and dietary pattern in Spanish university graduates: the SUN cohort study, Bulletin UASVM Food Science and Technology 73(1) / 2016

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1-9, doi:10.1038/ sj.ejcn.1602833.

2. Attwood AS, Scott-Samuel NE, Stothart G, Munafo MR (2012). Glass Shape Influences Consumption Rate for Alcoholic Beverages, PLoS ONE 7(8): e43007, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043007. 3. Banc R, Loghin F, Miere D, Fetea F, Socaciu C (2014). Romanian Wines Quality and Authenticity Using FT-MIR Spectroscopy Coupled with Multivariate Data Analysis. Not Bot Horti Agrobo Cluj-Na 42(2):556-564.

4. Coldea TE, Mudura E, Chircu C, Borşa A (2014). Chemical Assessment of White Wine during Fermentation Process. BUASVM Food Science and Technology Cluj-Napoca 71(1):18-22. 5. Constantinescu M, Constantinescu C (2012). Success local policies in preventing and reducing the alcohol consumption among youngters, Review of research and social intervention, 36:54-73.

6. Cox WM, Hosier GS, Crossley S, Kendall B, Roberts KL (2006). Motives for drinking, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related problems among British secondaryschool and university students, Addictive Behaviors, 31:2147-2157. 7. Freeman DG (2012). Is Beer Safer than Spirits? How the Change in Consumption Shares of Alcoholic Beverage Types Affects Traffic Mortality in Young People, GJAE 61:4, The Economics of Beer and Brewing: Selected Contributions of the 2nd Beeronomics Conference.

8. Geana EI, Costinel D, Marinescu A, Ionete RE, Bala C (2014). Characterization of Wines by Trans-Resveratrol Concentration: A Case Study of Romanian Varieties. Anal Lett 47(10): 1737-1746. 9. Johnston AD (2013). When it comes to alcohol, women and men are not created equal, Women and alcohol, The Alcohol and Drug Services Prevention Team Health and Social Services Government of Yukon, 1-28. 10. Lădaru RG, Beciu S (2014). Marketing research on wine consumers preferences in Romania, Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development, 14(3): 127-130. 11. Keller KL (2008). Strategic Brand Management, Building, Measuring, and Managing Brand Equity, 4th Edition, ISBN13: 978-0132664257; ISBN-10: 0132664259.

12. Kuntsche E, Knibbe R, Gmel G, Engels R (2005). Why do young people drink? A review of drinking motives, Clinical Psychology Review 25:841-861. 13. Mudura E, Coldea T (2015). Hop-Derived Prenylflavonoids and Their Importance in Brewing Technology: A Review, Bulletin UASVM Food Science and Technology 72(1):1-10.

14. Mudura E, Tofană M, Păucean A, Socaci S (2010). The evaluation of antioxidant capacity of Romanian hops, Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies Timişoara 16(2) 262-264. 15. Mudura E, Păucean A, Tofana M, Socaci S (2011). The Evaluation of Prenylflavonoids Compounds in Romanian Beer, Bulletin UASVM 68 (2): 333-338. ISSN 1843-5246.

16. Mudura E., Tofană M., Muste S., Păucean A., Socaci S. (2009). The evaluation of hop utilisation in brewing

The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Preference of University Students: a Preliminary Romanian Case Study process, Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies, Timişoara, 15(2): 249-252

17. Moldovan A, Mudura E, Coldea T, Rotar A, Pop C (2015). Effect of Maceration Conditions on Chemical Composition and Colour Characteristics of Merlot Wines. Bulletin UASVM Food Science and Technology 72(1):104-108. 18. Schmutzer G, Avram V, Coman V, David L, Moldovan Z (2012). Determination of phenolic compounds from wine samples by GC/MS System. REV CHIM-Bucharest 63(9):855-858.

19. Scholza A, Navarrete-Munoza EM, Garcia de la Heraa M, Gimenez-Monzoa D, Gonzalez-Palaciosa S, Valera-Grana D, Torres-Colladoa L, Vioquea J (2016). Alcohol consumption and Mediterranean Diet adherence among health science students in Spain: the DiSA-UMH Study, Gac Sanit., 30(2):126-132. 20. Seaman P, Ikegwuonu T (2010). Report: Drinking to belong. Understanding young adults’ alcohol use, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, ISBN: 978-1-85935-769-9, The Homestead 40 Water End York YO30 6WP. 21. Siegel BM, Naimi TS, Cremeens JL, Nelson DE (2011). Alcoholic Beverage Preferences and Associated Drinking

39

Patterns and Risk Behaviors Among High School Youth, Am J Prev Med, 40(4):419–426.

22. Vârva L, Socaci S, Fărcaş A, Salanţă L, Pop Cuceu AV, Mudura E, Tofană M (2015). Determination of wine aroma compounds by head space “in tube extraction” technique and gas chromatography (HS-ITEX-GC/MS). BUASVM Food Science and Technology 72(1):115-119. 23. Young RS Joe JR (2009). Some thoughts about the epidemiology of alcohol and drug use among American Indian/Alaska Native Populations. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 8(3):223-241.

24. White A, Hingson R (2013). The burden of alcohol use: excessive alcohol consumption and related consequences among college students, Alcohol Research, 35:201-218. 25. World Health Organisation (2011). Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011, WHO: Geneva.

26. World Health Organisation (2014). Global status report on alcohol and health [Internet] [cited 2015 Sep 30] Available from: http://www.who.int/substance abuse/ publications/global alcohol report/en/
