Abstract

ATTITUDE OF MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES TOWARDS ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

*Deepender Wason, Sarita Goyal and M. C. Gupta

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: Professionals, particularly medicos with alcohol use habit might be dangerous, as they might lose a sound judgment, fail in responsibility and accrue harm to service receivers. Our objective is to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption, biosocial determinants of alcohol use and how alcohol was affecting their lives. Methods: All students of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th professional year present in Lecture Theater on a particular day were provided information sheet and informed consent forms. All interested volunteers submitted their informed consent form and duly filled questionnaire. No name or any information regarding identity of particular student was asked in questionnaire. Results: Of the 800 undergraduate MBBS students, the questionnaire was distributed to 667 students and 583 filled questionnaires were collected back. About one-third of respondents (31.74%) confessed to having consumed alcohol at least once in their life time. About 87% started consuming alcohol after getting admission in the medical college. Consumption of alcohol was significantly high among male students (84.3%). It was found that peer pressure and friend influence was the most common offending factor. Alcohol consumption pattern during personal stress 48.64% reported increase in consumption and 62.70% reported yes they were relieved. More than half (60%) of the respondents did not have a guilt/regret feeling of alcohol consumption. Interpretation & conclusion: Alcohol use is very likely to have negative consequences on the academic performance, physical and mental health of the students. Establishment of de-addiction centers, strict enforcement of laws and health education can be valuable tools to achieve the desired goals. For those who have trouble in quitting alcohol, a counseling and support system needs to be put in place. The personal stress may lead to increase in consumption of alcohol so school should teach them other ways to cope with stress.

Keywords: Alcohol, medical student, Bio-social determinants.