Modern lifestyle risks associated with alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking in Ukraine.

Background: Substance uses confer huge risks for public health in modern society. This study aimed to evaluate current factors related to alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking in the republic of Ukraine.

Methods: We distributed a questionnaire to healthy volunteers in four Ukrainian regions and collected 929 responses regarding demographic information, reasons for starting substance use, substance use family history, environmental factors, use pattern (internet, drinking or smoking), consequences of drinking, and insomnia. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking.

Results: Aging appeared to attenuate either drinking or smoking. To reduce school- or job-related stress, staying awake, peer pressure, friend-related issues, or to increase sexual desire and single parenting all would trigger drinking; male gender, family divorce, unhealthy diet and lack of awareness about harmful consequences were the main factors leading to smoking. Logistic regression suggested that education background, sleep problems, celebration events and lengthy internet work all could contribute to drinking.

Conclusions: Various real-world factors related to substance uses were identified for the public of Ukraine. A validated instrument would help to identify risk factors in patients with substance use disorders.