Drinking patterns of recent Russian immigrants and other Israelis: 1995 national survey results

Objectives. A large group of Russian Jews has immigrated to Israel since 1989. Russian has one of the highest alcohol consumption levels in the world, while the level in Israel is among the lowest. This study was designed to provide empirical information on the drinking of these Russian immigrants compared with the drinking of other Jewish Israeli residents. Methods. The data came from a 1995 national survey of drinking in Israel. Of 4984 Israelis, 292 were Russian immigrants who had arrived since 1989. Russians were compared with other respondents on several drinking variables. Logistic regression was the principal method of analysis, allowing the relationship to be tested with demographic and cultural variables controlled. A subsidiary analysis was conducted on data about parents' drinking from a survey of secondary school students. Results. There were significant effects for Russian status for several drinking variables, with significant odds ratios ranging from 1.45 to 2.38. These results indicate that recent Russian immigrants to Israel drink more than their Israeli counterparts. Conclusions. Further investigation of the stability of these patients may provide valuable information about cultural effects on drinking.