The consumption of dangerously high levels of alcohol appears to be rife among Irish college students.

According to a new study carried out by University College Cork (UCC), the prevalence of ‘hazardous alcohol consumption' is much higher among students than the general population.

Over 2,200 undergraduates participated in the study and two in three reported hazardous alcohol consumption, with slightly more females (67%) admitting to this than males (65%).

In the worst cases, 17% of males and 5% of females admitted to drinking more than six units of alcohol at least four times per week, and sometimes on a daily basis.

The study noted that while the pattern and frequency of drink-related adverse events was similar in males and females, males were more likely to admit having a one-night stand' than women. They were also more likely to admit getting into a fight.

According to the study's lead author, UCC researcher, Martin Davoren, these findings represent ‘yet another signpost that our relationship with alcohol as a nation is unwholesome and detrimental to health'.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Michael Byrne, head of UCC's student health department, said that hazardous alcohol consumption is a ‘threat to the success of our students and to our society in general'.

"The response to this issue needs to be informed by the best available evidence and involve students as well as practitioners and experts," he said.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, BMJ Open.