BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of hazardous alcohol consumption in medical practitioners is widely discussed. We conducted a survey of 80 medical students with a standardized questionnaire in order to assess the impact of harmful drinking patterns on the ideas of recommendations about alcohol consumption intended for patients. The statistical analyses were descriptive and inferential. RESULTS: Only one of 80 medical students rated his own consumption as hazardous. The weekly alcohol median consumption was 30 g for women and 60 g for men. 24% of students answering the AUDIT-questionnaire were found to be in the at-risk consumption category. Every 10th student had more than 6 drinks once per week. The weekly estimated non-risk allowance for patients was 80 g of alcohol in women and 100 g for men. DISCUSSION: In contrast to the self rating we found a high percentage of hazardous drinking behaviour patterns when using standardized instruments. Compared to the WHO recommendations the students rated weekly alcohol consumption more strictly. This points both towards the need of preventive measures in this target group as well as the need to improve educative competency.
BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of hazardous alcohol consumption in medical practitioners is widely discussed. We conducted a survey of 80 medical students with a standardized questionnaire in order to assess the impact of harmful drinking patterns on the ideas of recommendations about alcohol consumption intended for patients. The statistical analyses were descriptive and inferential. RESULTS: Only one of 80 medical students rated his own consumption as hazardous. The weekly alcohol median consumption was 30 g for women and 60 g for men. 24% of students answering the AUDIT-questionnaire were found to be in the at-risk consumption category. Every 10th student had more than 6 drinks once per week. The weekly estimated non-risk allowance for patients was 80 g of alcohol in women and 100 g for men. DISCUSSION: In contrast to the self rating we found a high percentage of hazardous drinking behaviour patterns when using standardized instruments. Compared to the WHO recommendations the students rated weekly alcohol consumption more strictly. This points both towards the need of preventive measures in this target group as well as the need to improve educative competency.