Hygiena 2007, 52(1):7-11

Young Men's Drinking Habits

František Bílek

Ústřední vojenský zdravotní ústav Praha

The study presents results of anonymous field research of young men's drinking habits (conscripts).
The objective of the study was to find out the fluid intake habits of the conscripts prior to military service and how these habits are modified by long-term stay in relatively enclosed community of young men just after leaving family they have grown in.
A positive finding is the daily amount of non-alcoholic drinks consumed in average by the group of recruits. The relatively high percentage of men who regularly consume soft drinks is problematic. The popularity of sweetened drinks is also affirmed by the fact that most of the young men drink sweeten water or mineral water as well as tea and coffee. More than 80 % of the respondents are not aware of any adequate intake of mineral water and approximately 40 % of the respondents actually have an intake exceeding 0.5 liter of mineral water. Consumption of milk revealed by this study confirms the results of Czech studies, as well as of those abroad, that milk is relatively less popular as a drink. 30 % of respondents reported excessive consumption of alcohol, predominantly beer in Bohemia as well as in Moravia. Excessive consumption of alcohol is lower in university-educated individuals but according to the findings of our survey, the educational status has no substantial influence.
The study has shown that after beginning compulsory military service the young men have not increased their consumption of alcohol. Conversely, neither has there been any substantial decrease. Changes in the intake of non-alcoholic drinks were connected with the supply of drinks served free of charge during their military service.

Keywords: drinking habits, drink, soft drink, alcohol

Published: March 1, 2007  Show citation