Characterizing Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Analysis of Potential Influencing Factors Among International Students at the University of Debrecen

Abstract

This study explores alcohol consumption patterns and influencing factors among international medical students in the English Language Programme at the University of Debrecen. Using an anonymous online questionnaire that included the AUDIT and DMQ-R-SF, researchers assessed drinking behavior and motives. Of the respondents, 115 were drinkers and 86 were non-drinkers, with reasons for abstaining including religion, health concerns, and taste. Statistical analysis revealed that social motives were associated with consuming three or more drinks on a typical drinking day, while coping motives were linked to risk drinking. These findings highlight the role of different motivations in shaping drinking behaviors among medical students. Understanding these patterns can help inform targeted interventions and guide future research.