The Impact of Alcohol on Health-Related Quality of Life in Belgrade University Students

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess alcohol drinking patterns and its influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the Belgrade University students. Methods: Between April and June, 2009, 1624 students were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. All participants in the study completed the questionnaire that comprised demographic data, as well as information referring to education, social status, lifetime residence, and habits. HRQoL was assessed by using SF-36 questionnaire and general depressive status by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: The occurrence of getting drunk on a yearly level had a statistically significant correlation with both SF-36 composite scores (ρ = –.048, p = .049 for Physical Composite Score (PCS), ρ = –.053, p = .038 for Mental Composite Score (MCS)) and the total score (ρ= –.057, p = .025). Those who were never getting drunk had statistically significantly higher scores for Social functioning and Mental health SF-36 as well as for MCS compared to students who were getting drunk on monthly and weekly basis. After adjustment for multiple testing, Social functioning domain and MCS remained statistically significant. The final models of hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that gender, place of residence during high schooling, type of faculty, depression, chronic conditions, and alcohol consumption accounted 15.2% of the variance in PCS and 17.7% of the variance in MCS. Conclusion: Information regarding drinking patterns and its influence on HRQoL in the Belgrade University students can help public health professionals, university administration, and local health care providers in developing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.