Mechanical efficiency of locomotion in females during different kinds of muscle action

The mechanical efficiencies (ME) of pure positive and pure negative work as well as of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercise were investigated with a special sledge apparatus. The subjects were 20 young females who performed six different types of submaximal exercise: two of pure concentric exercise (positive work), two of pure eccentric exercise (negative work) and two SSC exercises. The work intensities were determined individually, from the recordings of distance obtained during a single maximal concentric exercise. Each exercise involved 60 muscle actions lasting a total of 3 min per testing condition. The MEs of pure positive work with intensities of 30% and 60% maximum (C30 and C60 respectively) were 15.5%, SD 2.6% and 14.3%, SD 1.9%, respectively. In pure negative work, when the dropping heights were 20 cm (E20) and 80 cm (E80), MEs were 28.4%, SD 6.9% and 47.9%, SD 10.1%, respectively. In SSC-exercise, the MEs during the positive phase of the take-off were 31.3%, SD 6.3% (E20/C90) and 35.0%, SD 7.0% (E80/C69). The total MEs in SSC-exercise were 29.1%, SD 4.0% (E20/C90) and 40.1%, SD 5.2% (E80/C60 x 100). In pure negative work, the increased stretching velocity increased the value of ME. In the concentric phase of SSC-exercise, the integrated electromyographic activity (iEMG) of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were lower (P less than 0.05) than in pure concentric work, when the mechanical work was the same (C60 vs E80/C60). During pure eccentric work, iEMGs were lower in comparison to the eccentric phase of SSC-exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Significance of biological parameters of human blood levels of CoQ10

Ninety-one men and 143 women who were so-called normal subjects were tested for cardiac performance at rest and their blood levels of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were determined. In males, a negative relationship between progression of age and cardiac performance, and a positive relationship between progression of age and blood levels of CoQ10 were revealed. In females, a positive relationship between age and blood levels of CoQ10 was found. The mean CoQ10 blood level for both sexes was the same (0.79 +/- 0.20 micrograms/ml for males and 0.79 +/- 0.23 for females). Cardiac performance declines with age in the male population. A decreased biosynthesis and/or incorporation of CoQ10 into mitochondrial structures of muscle cells may occur with age in a normal population.     

Relationship between the efficiency of muscular work during jumping and the energetics of running

The running economy of seventeen athletes was studied during running at a low speed (3.3 m X s-1) on a motor-driven treadmill. The net energetic cost during running expressed in kJ X kg-1 X km-1 was on average 4.06. As expected, a positive relationship was found between the energetic cost and the percentage of fast twitch fibres (r = 0.60, n = 17, p less than 0.01). In addition, the mechanical efficiency during two different series of jumps performed with and without prestretch was measured in thirteen subjects. The effect of prestretch on muscle economy was represented by the ratio between the efficiency of muscular work performed during prestretch jumps and the corresponding value calculated in no prestretch conditions. This ratio demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with energy expenditure during running (r = -0.66, n = 13, P less than 0.01), suggesting that the elastic behaviour of leg extensor muscles is similar in running and jumping if the speeds of muscular contraction during eccentric and concentric work are of similar magnitudes.     

Endurance capacity of untrained males and females in isometric and dynamic muscular contractions

The capacity to perform isometric and dynamic muscle contractions at different forces has been measured in two separate groups of subjects: 25 men and 25 women performed sustained isometric contractions of the knee-extensor muscles of their stronger leg to fatigue, at forces corresponding to 80%, 50% and 20% of the maximum voluntary force of contraction (MVC). The second experimental model involved a bilateral elbow-flexion weight lifting exercise. Eleven women and 12 men performed repetitions at loads corresponding to 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% and 50% of maximum load (1RM), at a rate of 10 X min-1 to the point of fatigue. Males were stronger (p less than 0.001) than females in both the static (675 +/- 120 N vs 458 +/- 80 N; mean +/- SD) and dynamic (409 +/- 90 N vs 190 +/- 33 N) contractions. Isometric endurance time of the males at a force corresponding to 20% of MVC was less than that of the females (180 +/- 51 s vs 252 +/- 56 s; p less than 0.001) but there was no difference between the sexes at 50% or 80% of MVC. Similarly, when the sexes were compared using dynamic elbow-flexion exercise, the female subjects were able to perform a greater number of repetitions than males at loads of 50% (p less than 0.005), 60% (p less than 0.001) and 70% (p less than 0.025) of 1RM, but there was no difference between the sexes at loads of 80% or 90% of 1RM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Maximal intermittent cycling exercise: effects of recovery duration and gender.

This study aimed to evaluate potential gender differences in recovery of power output during repeated all-out cycling exercise. Twenty men and thirteen women performed four series of two sprints (Sp1 and Sp2) of 8 s, separated by 15-, 30-, 60-, and 120-s recovery. Peak power (Ppeak), power at the 8th s, total mechanical work, and time to Ppeak were calculated for each sprint. Ppeak and mechanical work decreased significantly between Sp1 and Sp2 after 15-s recovery in both men (-6.4 and -9.4%, respectively) and women (-7.4 and -6.8%, respectively). Time to Ppeak did not change between recovery durations, but women reached their peak power more slowly than men (on average 5.15 +/- 1.2 and 3.8 +/- 1.2 s, respectively; P < 0.01). During Sp1 and Sp2, linear regressions from Ppeak to power at the 8th s showed a greater power decrease (%Ppeak) in women compared with men (P < 0.05). In conclusion, patterns of power output recovery between two consecutive short bouts were similar in men and women, despite lower overall performance and greater fatigability during sprints in women.     

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and mean blood lipid values in Taiwan: results from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT, 1993-1996)

This paper reports the blood lipid status of people aged 4 years and older in Taiwan. The data is based on the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT: 1993-1996), which adopted a multi-stage, stratified clustering sampling scheme. Altogether, 5097 subjects (2451 males and 2646 females) had data on triglyceride and 5643 subjects (2736 males and 2907 females) had data on cholesterol. We found that (a) cholesterol levels of males were lower than females in mid-to old age group (> or = 45 years old); (b) triglyceride values of females were lower than males in young adulthood (19-44 years), but higher than males after the age of 45 years, and (c) adult females had higher HDL-C value and lower ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C than males. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 10.2% in adult males and 12.6% in mid-to-old aged men, and that in females was 11.2% and 24.4%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 13.4% and 6.1% in adult males and females (> or = 19 years as a whole), respectively. It was 12.3% in mid-to-old aged men (> or = 45 years), and 11.9% in women. The mean cholesterol values were similar to values of several previous surveys in different areas of Taiwan. But it was higher than those in some areas of Mainland China, and lower than those of western countries. People in metropolitan cities had a higher level of blood cholesterol than other areas. The average triglyceride values of males and females were higher than those of previous studies in Taiwan and of people in Mainland China. Mountainous stratum with predominantly aboriginal residents had higher level of triglycerides and body mass index (BMI) than other strata. The associations between dietary intakes of men and women and blood lipids were examined controlling for age and BMI. Result showed that Keys score, which was derived from saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and dietary cholesterol of a 24-hour recall, was positively related to blood cholesterol and LDL-C in men, but not in women. Average alcohol intakes per day were related to HDL-C positively, but LDL-C negatively in men and women. The regional differences in blood lipid profiles in Taiwan are consistent with the dietary and life-style variations island-wide.     

Energetics of kayaking

The metabolic cost of paddling at low speeds (v) was measured from oxygen uptake (VO2) and anaerobic glycolysis in an annular pool or calculated from submaximal VO2 measured at higher speeds when the kayaker was assisted in overcoming water resistance. Also calculated were the total drag (D) and the net mechanical efficiency (e). Each of the above variables was determined in male (n = 17) and female (n = 7) kayakers ranging in experience from beginners to elite. The VO2 increased with v to a peak of approximately 3.4 l.min-1 (80%-100% of peak VO2 during running) in men and of approximately 2.8 l.min-1 in women, while at higher speeds the additional energy was accounted for by anaerobic glycolysis. In all subjects the energy cost to paddle a given distance (C) increased according to a power function with increasing v. The C was lower for the elite male paddlers than for the unskilled group, while that for elite women was slightly less than that for the elite men. Also the rates of increase of C appeared to be inversely proportional to the subjects' skill. Total D for elite men increased from approximately 15 to 60 N over a range of speeds from 1 to 2.2 m.s-1 while those of unskilled men and skilled women for the same speed range were 10-20 N greater and slightly less, respectively. The e increased linearly, but at a different rate, with increases in v for the unskilled and the elite kayakers (males and females) being 4.2% and 6%, respectively, at v = 1.2 m.s-1.     

Whole blood and serum copper levels in relation to sex and age

The copper content in whole blood and serum was determined in healthy human subjects (240 males and 217 females) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean level of copper obtained in whole blood was 104.8 +/- 20.5 micrograms/100 ml in males and 117.1 +/- 20.1 micrograms/100 ml in females. The mean level of copper in serum was 102.3 +/- 21.7 micrograms/100 ml and 123.9 +/- 30.4 micrograms/100 ml, in males and females respectively. The copper concentration in whole blood and serum in females proved to be significantly higher than in males (p less than 0.001). With respect to age, the copper level showed a slightly negative correlation which is only statistically significant in whole blood in females (p less than 0.05).     

Square-wave endurance exercise test (SWEET) for training and assessment in trained and untrained subjects. III. Effect on VO2 max and maximal ventilation

The effect of training on VO2 max, endurance capacity (EC) and ventilation during maximal exercise (VE max) were studied in 17 normal subjects aged 21--51 years. At the beginning of the study 11 of the subjects (eight women and three men) were untrained (U) and six others (three women and three men) trained regulatory (T). A maximal intensity exercise (on a cycle ergometer) which could be sustained for 45 min (MIE45) was performed three times per week for 6 weeks; the total mechanical work (TMW) corresponding to the MIE45 per session varied between 3.14 and 9.24 kJ . kg-1. Before training, VO2 max (a), VEmax (b), and TMW (c) were higher in T than in U subjects. Training increased these variables in most of the subjects; the increase being significantly higher (mean +/- SEM) in U (a = +29.9 +/- 3.8%; b = 49.6 +/- 6.5%; c = 47 +/- 6.9%) than in T subjects (a = 6.6 +/- 3.8%; b = 17.5 +/- 3.6+; c = 19.1 +/- 2.8%). In all but three cases the % increase of TMW was higher than that of VO2 max, suggesting a higher sensitivity of TMW in measuring EC. The significant increase in VE max, maximal voluntary ventilation, peak flows (inspiratory and expiratory) and static maximum voluntary ventilation, peak flows (inspiratory and expiratory) and static maximum pressures indicate that this training protocol improves in healthy subjects the performance of respiratory muscles as well.     

The hormonal responses to repetitive brief maximal exercise in humans

The responses of nine men and nine women to brief repetitive maximal exercise have been studied. The exercise involved a 6-s sprint on a non-motorised treadmill repeated 10 times with 30 s recovery between each sprint. The total work done during the ten sprints was 37,693 +/- 3,956 J by the men and 26,555 +/- 4,589 J by the women (M greater than F, P less than 0.01). This difference in performance was not associated with higher blood lactate concentrations in the men (13.96 +/- 1.70 mmol.l-1) than the women (13.09 +/- 3.04 mmol.l-1). An 18-fold increase in plasma adrenaline (AD) occurred with the peak concentration observed after five sprints. The peak AD concentration in the men was larger than that seen in the women (9.2 +/- 7.3 and 3.7 +/- 2.4 nmol.l-1 respectively, P less than 0.05). The maximum noradrenaline (NA) concentration occurred after ten sprints in the men (31.6 +/- 10.9 nmol.l-1) and after five sprints in the women (27.4 +/- 20.8 nmol.l-1). Plasma cardiodilatin (CDN) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations were elevated in response to the exercise. The peak ANP concentration occurred immediately post-exercise and the response of the women (10.8 +/- 4.5 pmol.l-1) was greater than that of the men (5.1 +/- 2.6 pmol.l-1, P less than 0.05). The peak CDN concentrations were 163 +/- 61 pmol.l-1 for the women and 135 +/- 61 pmol.l-1 for the men. No increases in calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were detected in response to the exercise. These results indicate differences between men and women in performance and hormonal responses. There was no evidence for a role of CGRP in the control of the cardiovascular system after brief intermittent maximal exercise.     

Differences in sperm migration through cervical mucus in vitro relates to sperm colonization of the oviduct and fertilizing ability in goats

Sperm migration in estrous cervical mucus can be used to measure the ability of spermatozoa to migrate through the genital tract. The relationship of this test with the sperm colonization of the isthmus, and its impact on fertility has not been evaluated in goats. Our objectives were to determine the differences among spermatozoa of different bucks in their ability to penetrate homologous cervical mucus in vitro and to determine the relationship between sperm displacement through cervical mucus and the ability of spermatozoa to colonize the oviduct and penetrate IVM oocytes, in vivo. Sperm migration in cervical mucus was assessed in flat capillary tubes with a phase contrast microscope. In the first experiment, fresh semen was used to establish differences between males in the ability of their spermatozoa to migrate in cervical mucus. In the second experiment, goats in estrus were inseminated with fresh spermatozoa from males with significant differences in mucus migration ability, and sperm numbers were evaluated at the UTJ. In the third experiment, the fertilization efficiency of IVM oocytes transferred to the oviduct of estrous females inseminated with semen from the same males as earlier, was used to assess the relationship between the mucus migration test and the in vivo fertilization performance of their spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from different males varies significantly in sperm migration efficiency in cervical mucus (15.5a +/- 1.2; 14.9a +/- 1.4; 17.5ab +/- 1.2; 17.0ab +/- 1.5; 19.7b +/- 1.2; 20.1b +/- 1.4 mm; media +/- S.E.M. for males A-F, respectively, P < 0.05). Spermatozoa from males with different mucus migration efficiency values produced different sperm populations at the oviduct reservoir of inseminated females (1,233 +/- 92.3 versus 28.8 +/- 17.0 spermatozoa of males with high and low relative migration efficiency, respectively, P < 0.02). Spermatozoa from males with different mucus migration efficiency values have different fertilization rates of IVM oocytes transferred to oviduct (47/96 (49.0%) versus 25/91 (27.5%) for males with high and low relative migration efficiency, respectively, P < 0.05). Cumulative results suggest that sperm migration in cervical mucus is related to the ability of spermatozoa to colonize the oviduct and to fertilize matured oocytes in vivo.     

Changes in muscle activation can prolong the endurance time of a submaximal isometric contraction in humans.

Fourteen young subjects (7 men and 7 women) performed a fatiguing isometric contraction with the elbow flexor muscles at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force on three occasions. Endurance time for session 3 [1,718 +/- 1,189 (SD) s] was longer than for session 1 (1,225 +/- 683 s) and session 2 (1,410 +/- 977 s). Five men and four women increased endurance time between session 1 and 3 by 60 +/- 28% (responders), whereas two men and three women did not (-3 +/- 11%; nonresponders). The MVC force was similar for the responders and nonresponders, both before and after the fatiguing contraction. Fatiguing contractions were characterized by an increase in the electromyogram (EMG) amplitude and number of bursts during the fatiguing contractions. The responders achieved a similar level of EMG at exhaustion but a reduced rate of increase in the EMG across sessions. The rate of increase in EMG across sessions declined for the nonresponders, but it remained greater than that of the responders. The increase in burst rate during the contractions declined across sessions with a negative relation between burst rate and endurance time (r = -0.42). Normalized force fluctuations increased during the fatiguing contractions, and there was a positive relation (r = 0.60) between the force fluctuations and burst rate. Changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate during the fatiguing contraction were similar for the responders and nonresponders across the three sessions. The results indicate that those subjects who increased the endurance time of a submaximal contraction across three sessions did so by altering the level and pattern of muscle activation.     

Whole blood and serum zinc levels in relation to sex and age

The zinc content in whole blood and serum was determined in 239 healthy males and 217 healthy females by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean level of zinc obtained in whole human blood from males was 607.0 +/- 105.3 micrograms/100 ml and in females 585.2 +/- 122.9 micrograms/100 ml. The mean level of zinc in serum was 116.6 +/- 55.2 micrograms/100 ml and 105.2 +/- 66.9 micrograms/100 ml in males and females respectively. The zinc concentration in whole blood and serum in males proved to be slightly higher than in females though the difference is not statistically significant. For the males a positive correlation was found between age and the zinc level in whole blood and serum; this is only statistically significant in whole blood. In females, the zinc level in whole blood showed a positive correlation with age which was not statistically significant, while in serum this correlation was negative and statistically significant.     

Impact of muscle length during stretch-shortening contractions on real-time and temporal muscle performance measures in rats in vivo.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of muscle length during stretch-shortening cycles on static and dynamic muscle performance. Animals were randomly assigned to an isometric (control, Con, n = 12), a short-muscle-length (S-Inj, 1.22-2.09 rad, n = 12), or a long-muscle-length (L-Inj, 1.57-2.44 rad, n = 12) group. The dorsiflexor muscles were exposed in vivo to 7 sets of 10 stretch-shortening contractions (conducted at 8.72 rad/s) or 7 sets of isometric contractions of the same stimulation duration by using a custom-designed dynamometer. Performance was characterized by multipositional isometric exertions and positive, negative, and net work before exposure, 6 h after exposure, and 48 h after exposure to contractions. Real-time muscle performance during the stretch-shortening cycles was characterized by stretch-shortening parameters and negative, positive, and net work. The S-Inj group recovery (force difference) was similar to the Con group force difference at 48 h, whereas the L-Inj group force difference was statistically greater at 1.39, 1.57, and 1.74 rad than the Con group force difference (P < 0.05). Negative work (P < 0.05) and net work (P < 0.05) were statistically lower in the S-Inj and L-Inj groups than in the Con group 48 h after exposure to contractions. Of the real-time parameters, there was a difference in cyclic force with treatment during the stretch-shortening cycles (P < 0.0001), with the L-Inj group being the most affected. Thus longer ranges of motion result in a more profound isometric force decrement 48 h after exposure to contractions and in real-time changes in eccentric forces.     

Iron deficiency caused by 7 weeks of intensive physical exercise

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of an intensive physical training program involving both isometric and isotonic activities on the body iron status of 8 females and 11 males (age 20 +/- 1 year). The training was carried out over a 7 week period and included 8 h of varying physical activities each day. Venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects prior to the beginning of the training, on day 2 and in weeks 2, 4, 6 and 7 of the program. Blood samples were analyzed for iron, ferritin and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and red blood cell count (RBC). Iron levels of males and females decreased 65% after 2 weeks of training (p less than 0.001). At the end of the training program 5 males and 6 females had lower than normal iron values (less than 13.4 mumol.l-1). TIBC increased 25% in women and 18% in men following 2 and 4 weeks of training (p less than 0.001) and remained at this elevated level throughout the training period. Ferritin levels decreased 50% in both sexes after 4 weeks of exercise (p less than 0.05) and remained at this level until the end of the training. Hb and RBC decreased 8-10% in both sexes during the training period. In two of the women anemia occurred after 4 weeks of training. The development of latent iron deficiency in a substantial number of participants after a relatively short period of training is uncommon and may reflect the high intensity of exercise required in this program.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and gender differences

In a comparative study, involving 500 subjects with 294 males and 206 females aged 30 years and above, data were collected from NIMS (National Institute of Medical Sciences) hospital and research centre and controls from the general population whose age and sex were matched with subjects during the years 2010 - 2011. Metabolic syndrome was present both in women and men corresponding to 29% and 23% of the women's and men's sample, respectively. The prevalence was higher in women than in men. In women, elevated BMI, low HDL cholesterol, increased waist circumference and hyperglycemia were significantly larger contributors to the metabolic syndrome while in men these were hypertension and elevated triglycerides. The contribution of several metabolic components to the metabolic syndrome is different in men and women. This might contribute to gender specific differences in the relative risk of metabolic complications such as insulin resistance.     

Reproductive and developmental biology of the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis (Dictyoptera)

At 27 degrees C and 45% r.h. in the laboratory, the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis (L.) developed to adulthood in seven to nine instars for males (66% had eight instars) and eight to ten instars for females (67% had nine instars) in mixed groups, with up to twelve instars for isolated females. Nymphal development lasted 185 +/- 2 days for males, 216 +/- 4 days for females, with 89% survival to adulthood. Adult longevity was significantly more for males than females in mixed groups. Virgin females lived for 135 +/- 6 days compared with 87 +/- 9 days for females kept with males. After an initial maturation time of 12.2-13.5 +/- 0.4 days for mated and unmated females, oothecae were produced, on average, every 6-7 (range 2-29) days. Ootheca viability was 68% from females kept with males, 32% from females kept apart from males. Numbers of nymphs emerging were 14.1 +/- 0.26 after 45 days from mated female oothecae 8.2 +/- 0.3 after 49 days from unmated females. With sexual reproduction the sex ratio of progeny reaching adulthood was 1.1 males per female (n = 443), whereas unmated females produced only female progency, which is consistent with parthenogenetic reproduction. Drawings of the ventral aspect of the terminalia are given to show features useful for instar determination and for distinguishing between male and female nymphs and adults of B. orientalis.     

Radioimmunoassay of melatonin: human serum and cerebrospinal fluid

Using a newly characterized anti-melatonin serum it has been possible to establish human serum melatonin concentrations at short time intervals during 24h. A clear circadian rhythm with peak values during the dark phase was demonstrated in both men and women. Values (pg/ml;mean +/- SE) were as follows: females 02.00h: 130 +/- 7, 18.00h: 45 +/- 5 males 02.00h: 140 +/- 11, 18,00H: 70 +/- 5. The estimation (pg/ml; mean +/- SE) of melatonin in human serum (males: 63 +/- 22 and females: 100 +/- 45) and cerebrospinal fluid simultaneously taken has shown that melatonin is lower in cerebrospinal fluid (males: 59 +/- 33 and females: 57 +/- 28). Blanks are not subtracted.     

Effect of interval versus continuous training on cardiorespiratory and mitochondrial functions: relationship to aerobic performance improvements in sedentary subjects

The goal of the study was to determine the effects of continuous (CT) vs. intermittent (IT) training yielding identical mechanical work and training duration on skeletal muscle and cardiorespiratory adaptations in sedentary subjects. Eleven subjects (6 men and 5 women, 45 +/- 3 years) were randomly assigned to either of the two 8-wk training programs in a cross-over design, separated by 12 wk of detraining. Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max) increased after both trainings (9% with CT vs. 15% with IT), whereas only IT was associated with faster Vo2 kinetics (tau: 68.0 +/- 1.6 vs. 54.9 +/- 0.7 s, P < 0.05) measured during a test to exhaustion (TTE) and with improvements in maximal cardiac output (Qmax, from 18.1 +/- 1.1 to 20.1 +/- 1.2 l/min; P < 0.01). Skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacities (Vmax) were only increased after IT (3.3 +/- 0.4 before and 4.5 +/- 0.6 micromol O2 x min(-1) x g dw(-1) after training; P < 0.05), whereas capillary density increased after both trainings, with a two-fold higher enhancement after CT (+21 +/- 1% for IT and +40 +/- 3% after CT, P < 0.05). The gain of Vmax was correlated with the gain of TTE and the gain of Vo2max with IT. The gain of Qmax was also correlated with the gain of VO2max. These results suggest that fluctuations of workload and oxygen uptake during training sessions, rather than exercise duration or global energy expenditure, are key factors in improving muscle oxidative capacities. In an integrative view, IT seems optimal in maximizing both peripheral muscle and central cardiorespiratory adaptations, permitting significant functional improvement. These data support the symmorphosis concept in sedentary subjects.     

Problem drinking among university students in Malawi

A survey of 787 University of Malawi students (481 males and 306 females) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) indicated that about 72% of responders (78% of males and 63% of females) drink alcohol. The mean AUDIT score was 3.4+/-5.3 for females and 13.2+/-8.9 for males. Some 54.1% of males and 16.5% of females had the AUDIT score above the threshold level of 8.0, which corresponded with high mean values of alcohol consumption per week (222.8+/-162.7 g of pure ethanol for males and 100.3+/-98.3 g for females). In addition, about 74.4 % of male students and 27.3% of females reported episodes of heavy drinking. The findings stressed the need for developing of alcohol control policies in the University of Malawi and in the country as a whole.