Alcohol use among adult men and its impact on personal and family life: findings of a community-based cross-sectional survey and focus groups discussions from a low alcohol taxed region, Puducherry, India. (1st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olickal, Jeby Jose; Selvaraj, Ramya; Saya, Ganesh Kumar; Chinnakali, Palanivel
• Is Part Of: Family practice. Volume 39:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2021-07-01
• Subjects: Addiction -- alcohol use -- epidemiology -- low-taxed -- psychiatry -- substance abuse; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2136

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There is limited published literature on the impact of alcohol use among alcohol dependents and their family members. Objectives: To find the factors associated with alcohol use and explore the impact of alcohol use on alcohol dependents and their family members. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 316 men aged above 18 years, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among alcohol dependents and their family members. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used. Results: The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.2 (15.1) years, and 276 of them (87.3%) were educated. The prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 32.8–43.4]. Older age [adjusted prevalence (APR) = 2.23 (95% CI = 1.17–4.27)], no formal education [APR = 1.20 (95% CI = 1.20–1.20)], rural residence [APR = 1.05 (95% CI = 1.05–1.05)], self-reported comorbidities [APR = 1.21 (95% CI = 1.21–1.21)], tobacco use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.98–2.97)] and individuals having a family history of alcohol use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.73–3.37)] were the factors associated with alcohol use. The family members of alcohol users suffer mainly mental, emotional and physical abuse. Abusive language used by the alcoholic father and family break-ups have an influence on children and in their schooling. Conclusions: Prevalence of alcohol use in a low alcohol taxed region in India was high. The family members of alcohol users mainly suffer mental, emotional and physical abuse.