INTRODUCTION: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is a major public health issue, with negative consequences for the individual and society. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HED among medical students and the factors associated with the problem. METHODS: We interviewed all the medical students from the 1st to 8th semesters at the Juiz de Fora School of Medical Sciences and Health. We applied the AUDIT questionnaire, which is self-completed and anonymous. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol use was 91%. HED was 25% more prevalent among men (p <0.001). HED was positively associated with having begun consuming alcohol before college and being a smoker in both sexes, and negatively associated with religious practice to men and having stable relationships for women. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of HED among medical students. Colleges should take a more active role in guiding their students about the consumption of alcohol, as these students will be health promoters in the future.
Alcoholism; Alcoholic Intoxication; Medical Students; Medical Education
