engleski

Binge drinking among medical students University of Zagreb – shouldn't they know better?

Background: Binge drinking is increasing problem in Croatian youth. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of binge drinking and related consequences in cohort of medical students University of Zagreb, on first and sixth year of study. Methods and participants: Study included 243 students (69% female) in 2004/05 and 130 students (75% female) of same cohort (53%) in 2010/2011. Data was obtained by anonymous questionnaire “School health survey” and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Binge drinking prevalence among females was 50.9% on first year of study and 60.82% six years later. Prevalence among males was 73.68% and 96.97%. Significant difference was found between genders on first (ρ= 0.001) and sixth year of study (ρ=0.0001), and among males on first and sixth year (ρ=0.005). Prevalence of destructive behaviour related to binge drinking among females was 8.24% in 2004/05 and 8.47% in 2010/11, and in males 17.86% and 21.88%. Prevalence of fighting related to binge drinking among females was 9.41% on first year and was not present on last year of study, and in males it was 10.71% and 9.38%. Significant difference was found between both genders on sixth year (ρ=0.04), and among females on first and sixth year of study (ρ=0.02). Conclusion: Binge drinking prevalence among medical students is high and shows increase from first to sixth year of study even though prevalence of negative consequences is low. Risk behaviour among medical students is of special concern because of their future role as health professionals.

binge drinking; students; risk behaviour

nije evidentirano