Patterns in Consumption of Alcohol among Medical Interns in Mangalore, South India

College students in many countries are at elevated risk for heavy drinking, with serious immediate health risks, such as drunken driving and other substance use; and longer term risks, such as alcohol dependence.

Prevalence of alcohol use among medical students.

Patterns and causes associated with alcohol consumption.

A community based cross sectional study was undertaken in 5 medical college interns with 30% of interns (30 from 4 and 60 interns from another as intake is 100 and 200 respectively) in each medical college who were selected using random numbers and the pre-tested validated questionnaire was introduced to the interns to know the prevalence and different associated cause of intake of alcohol among them. Girls and boys were proportionally selected in each college. Proportions, Chi square were calculated.

The prevalence of alcohol use was found to be significantly more in students living away from their homes. The alcohol consumption was significantly more in males [83.3%] when compared to females [38%]. About 58% of the students consuming alcohol were found to be regular users and 16% were binge drinkers. 64% of the students started consuming alcohol at an early age [15–20 yrs.]. From the study it was found that 18% of the students were in trouble due to alcohol consumption. A significant no. of students consuming alcohol were found to be performing average [50–65% of the marks]

Alcohol consumption is highly prevalent among medical interns and common with students away from home.