WITHDRAWN: Toward an Understanding of Female University Student Drug/Alcohol Use and Related Problem Behavior: A Cross National Comparative Study

Introduction: Drug and alcohol use is a significant public health concern among university students who tend to have a high level of consumption. There is a dearth of information about female university student drug/alcohol and related problem behavior especially on an international, cross national basis that may contribute to health and well being policy, education and prevention efforts. Methods: The survey sample consisted of female students from universities located in the cities of Smolensk, Russian Federation (n=450), and Beer Sheva, Israel (n=562). The valid and reliable data self-administered collection instrument used, the Substance Use Survey Instrument (SUSI) developed in cooperation with experts working with NIDA, WHO and major universities, was translated to Hebrew and Russian and back translated. Chi square, t-test and binary logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: Russian students had significantly lower levels of alcohol use, heavy drinking and most related problem behavior than their Israeli counterparts. Binary logistic regression indicated that five factors (i.e., last month tobacco smoking, mixing energy drinks and alcohol, being a passenger in a car when the driver had been drinking, academic performance decline, and missing class because of party habits) significantly predicted heavy drinking among all survey participants. Conclusions: This cross- national comparative study provides useful information for researchers, practitioners, university administrators and policy makers about drug/alcohol use and related problem behavior for prevention purposes and promoting the health and well being of young adults - particularly university female students. Also, it serves as a possible model for replication among other countries including those in Eastern Europe and elsewhere.