P01-335 - Interconfessional Analysis of Alcohol use and Related Problems: the Christians and Muslims

Abstract

Objectives

The influence of religion on the rate of alcohol use can not be overemphasized. In recent times, some studies have suggested that the inter-religion differences in alcohol use might be fading away. And that closer relationship might exist between the Christian and Muslim societies, especially in a population where alcohol use has become part of the life of people. We analyzed the prevalence of alcohol use and related problems among Muslims and Christians in Minsk, Belarus.

Methods

After the aims and objectives had been explained, 65 Christians and 70 Muslims agreed to participate in the anonymous and randomized study which was conducted among students at major four universities in Minsk, Belarus. All respondents were administered the AUDIT, CAGE and MAST questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0 version for Windows and the Pearson χ².

Results

The present study revealed that no differences in both the number of alcohol users and problem drinkers exist (according to the results of all three screening instruments) among the Christians and Muslims. Alcohol users were 67.7% Christians and 57.1% Muslims. Problem drinkers were 27.7 Christians and 34.3% Muslims.

Conclusion

This study is an exceptional one where for both Christians and Muslims, the percentages (as well as the average scores) of alcohol users and problem drinkers were the same on the AUDIT, CAGE and MAST.