Transcultural Differences in Alcohol Use among Slavic, Arabian And Nigerian Students: A Case Study in Belarus

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use by university students is a major public health problem in Belarusian campuses. The patterns of alcohol use might vary among students of different cultural backgrounds. Aims & Objectives: Differences in alcohol use and related problems among undergraduates of various ethnic groups - Slavs, Arabians and Nigerians in Minsk, Belarus were examined. Methods / Study Design: The study was randomized and anonymous, involving a total of 1549 respondents: 1345 Slavic, 120 Arabian and 84 Nigerian students in Minsk, Belarus. AH respondents were administered questionnaire containing the AUDIT, CAGE, MAST and other alcohol related questions. Results / Findings: Overall, 91.08% Slavs, 63.33% Arabs and 56.82% Nigerians were alcohol users. A total of 16.28% Slavic, 32.50% Arabian and 22.73% Nigerian problem drinkers were identified using the AUDIT. Generally, the use of weak strength alcoholic beverages (beer) was higher in the students' population of all ethnicities. Conclusion: The level of alcohol use and related problems in the general Belarusian students' population is high. Differences in the pattern of alcohol use and related problems exist among students of various ethnicities (Slavs, Arabians and Nigerians) in Minsk, Belarus. Alcohol related problems were higher among the Arabs and Nigerians, compared to the Slavs. Similarities in the average AUDIT, CAGE and MAST scores amongst the Slavs and Nigerians, as well as preference for alcoholic beverages among the students of all ethnicities were noted. Higher scores were recorded only on the AUDIT and MAST for the Arabs.