Introduction and aims: High rates of hazardous alcohol consumption have been reported among medical students in several countries. This study aimed to determine the degree of self-reported alcohol use among medical students in Hong Kong, and to compare this with published data from medical students elsewhere.
Design and methods: 111/137 (81%) final year medical students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong were recruited and anonymously completed the World Health Organization's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a screening tool which assesses alcohol consumption, dependence and alcohol-related problems. Results are graded as low risk (score 1-7) or harmful and hazardous (8 or more).
Results: The rate of ever drinking among this group of Hong Kong medical students is relatively high (74%) but few students reported at-risk drinking patterns (1.8%). Most students who drank did so less than once per month and most reported typically drinking only one to two drinks when they did drink alcohol.
Discussion and conclusions: While rates of alcohol drinking among this group of Hong Kong medical students are comparable to those reported in Europe and North America, rates of problem drinking are much lower.
© 2011 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.