Original Research Article

Objective: This study is designed to examine the effect of acculturation on drinking behavior among Chinese students who are currently studying in US colleges or universities. Participants: 687 study participants were conveniently recruited from Chinese international college students who were studying in four different universities located in three Midwestern states in the U.S. during September – October, 2011. Methods: Statistical analyses were carried out by using SAS 9.3. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between the dependent variable and other categorical variables of interest in order to identify variables for logistic regression analyses. Sequential multinomial logistic regressions were conducted for the changes in the amount of drinks consumed after coming to the United States to examine adjusted odds ratios of acculturation as well as other major covariates after controlling for other documented correlates of drinking. Results: 17 % of the respondents reported an increase in the amount of drinks after they came to the United States. The acculturation score was higher in the students who reported an increase in the amount of drinks than those who reported a decrease in the amount of drinks. Conclusions: This study contributes to the literature by showing the significant effects of acculturation on Chinese students ' drinking behavior after they come to the U.S. This study can be used as an evidence for future drinking intervention program focusing on Chinese or foreign students who are studying in the U.S