ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG STUDENTS IN THE LUBLIN REGION OF POLAND

Background
Alcohol is a psychoactive addictive substance that is a frequent part of student life, where consumption levels can be high. This study aimed to determine the level of alcohol consumption among students in the Lublin province.

Material and methods
The study was carried out in 2018, using 700 freshmen from the Lublin province (456 women – 65.14% and 244 men – 34.86%) who completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) on the Internet.

Results
The vast majority of the respondents drink alcohol (80% – 560 people), every fifth respondent declared abstinence (20% – 140 respondents). The gender of the respondents significantly differentiated the level of alcohol consumption (χ2=42.262; p<0.0001). More women than men consumed alcohol at a low risk of developing alcohol-related disorders (89.04%, i.e. 406 women – 71.72%, i.e. 175 men). The value of BMI significantly differentiated the level of alcohol consumption (χ²=17.513; p=0.008).

Conclusions
Most respondents consume alcohol at low-risk. Gender and BMI value significantly determine alcohol consumption. It is therefore extremely important to organize at universities cyclical preventive lectures on the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, highlighting its different impact on men and women. Physical activity plays a positive role in promoting health, even when at the same time unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption occur. Therefore, the possibility of participation in the university in the afternoon sports and recreation classes should be particularly promoted among students.