ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND LIFE-STYLE IN MEDICAL-STUDENTS

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th year medical students completed a questionnaire with 35 questions relating to diet, general health, exercise, smoking and drinking. Based on reported 'typical weekly intake' one-third of m ale non-Asian students in years 1-3, and 59% in year 5 were drinking a bove safe limits. 12-26% of non-Asian female students were drinking ab ove safe limits. In all years most Asian students were drinking within safe limits. Non-Asians smoked more than Asians and males smoked more than females. A group of non-Asian male students with alcohol intake for the previous week > 35 units was compared with a group of safe dri nkers (< 25 > 0 units/week). Significantly more of the former group dr ank > 10 units per occasion, had been hurt as a result of someone's dr inking, had caused physical harm and drank at lunch. Although 65% were aware their level of drinking was dangerous, only 7.5% wanted advice on safe drinking and only 5% wanted to drink less. The dangerous level drinkers ate less fruit and smoked more cigarettes than those drinkin g safely, but there were no other significant differences and there wa s no evidence for impaired academic performance.