Hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption behaviour and alcohol-related problems were assessed by the AUDIT. This instrument consists of ten items, which, when responded to in the affirmative, increase the likelihood that the subject is alcohol dependent. The questionnaire measures alcohol intake (quantity and frequency; items 1-3), dependence symptoms (items 4-6) and alcohol-related problems (items 7-10). All items are equally weighted and scored between 0 and 4 and the completed AUDIT is scored by summing the values for each item. The interpretation of the AUDIT, with respect to alcohol use disorders, has been well validated and reviewed by a number of groups [12-15]. Babor et al. [16] distinguished between hazardous and harmful drinking, whereby hazardous alcohol intake is indicative of an increased risk of harmful consequences for the user or others, and harmful alcohol use is defined as consumption behaviour that has resulted in physical or psychological damage. Additionally, Babor and colleagues [14] recommend further evaluation for alcohol dependence for those who score 20 or higher. Accordingly, our study population was subdivided into four groups based upon total AUDIT score and
