Trajectory of Alcohol Use and Related Problems among University Students in Belarus

Abstract

Background: The problem of alcohol use is a major public health problem in the general students' population in Belarus. Aims & Objectives: We therefore screen and compare the prevalence of alcohol use and related problems among juniors and seniors in Belarusian universities. Methods / Study Design: A total of 2460 university students from four different campuses in Minsk (Belarus) were explained the study aims and objectives. 1599 respondents enrolled for the study. Participants were administered questionnaire, containing the AUDIT, MAST, CAGE and other alcohol related questions. Of them, 100 students could not complete the questionnaire satisfactorily. A total of 1499 (average age = 21) students were considered for analysis. The cut-off point on the AUDIT was set at 8. Results / Findings: The screening results confirm a high level of alcohol use (87.66%) and related problems in the students' population. The level of alcohol problems increases with increase in the year of study. The use of strong strength alcoholic beverages is related to a high risk of alcohol related problems, than the use of weak alcoholic beverages in the students' population. Conclusion: The level of alcohol use and related problems in the general Belarusian students' population are high and show increase in order of increase in the year of study.