Prevalence of alcohol-related problems among the Slavs and Arabs in Belarus: a university survey

Background: Alcohol abuse is a major problem among students in Belarus. Alcohol-related problems might vary among students of different cultural backgrounds. Objectives: To examine the different patterns in alcohol use and related problems among students of different cultural groups - the Slavs and Arabs, in major Belarusian universities. Methods: 1465 university students (1345 Slavs and 120 Arabs) from three major universities in Minsk, Belarus, were administered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Cut, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye questionnaire, and the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, including other alcohol-related questions. Results: Overall, 91.08% (n = 1225) Slavs and 60.83% (n = 73) Arabs were alcohol users. A total of 16.28% (n = 219) Slavs and 32.50% (n = 39) Arabs were identified as problem drinkers. Different patterns of alcohol use and related problems were characterized for the Slavs and Arabs. The level of alcohol-related problems was higher among the Arabs, compared to the Slavs. Conclusion: Significant differences in the pattern of alcohol use and related problems exist among the students of various cultural groups - the Slavs and Arabs in Minsk, Belarus. Scientific significance: This is the first empirical study to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use and related problems among the Arab and Slav students in Belarus.