Attitudes toward alcoholism among Italian future teachers and health professionals.

Attitudes toward alcoholism were investigated in an Italian population of 401 future teachers and health professionals. The results were compared to data obtained from comparable individuals (students) previously interviewed in the United States and in Australia. In Italy, alcoholism is mainly considered a 'medical illness' caused by 'moral weakness'. The data suggest that attitudes of Italian students are strongly influenced by cultural patterning. University attendance had minor effects in changing students' attitudes.