Binge drinking among Israeli hospitality workers: Gender and country of origin differences

Aims: This study focused on binge drinking use among Israeli hospitality workers. Methods: A purposive sample of 430 male and female workers of Israeli and former Soviet Union (FSU) origin was interviewed in the resort town of Eilat, Israel. Findings: Last 30-day binge drinking was reported by 43% of the workers. Males binge drink more than females; Israeli origin workers binge drink more than those of FSU origin. Conclusion: This study shows gender and country of origin status associated with binge drinking among hospitality workers. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to understand the impact of other cultural factors that relate to gender status and immigrant acculturation for policy and prevention purposes, especially among young adults who, as a group, report a high level of alcohol use.