Abstract

Introduction: Earlier studies in Gujarat have found that alcohol users were likely to have had more hospital admissions in the past 3 months and the past year for self and for family members. This study was done to assess prevalence of self-reported drinking, alcohol use profile in terms of demography, lifetime drinking history, current pattern of alcohol use, motivation to drink and motivation to quit among patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center for other medical conditions and to compare alcohol use profile of drinkers with varying severity of alcohol use.
Materials and methods: Inpatients from surgical, medical and orthopedic wards were approached for inclusion in a cross-sectional survey. Survey consisted of socio-demographic details, a questionnaire adapted from Comprehensive Drinker profile, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and CAGE questionnaire.
Results: Out of the 514 inpatients, 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (adults admitted in surgical, medical and orthopedic wards and self-reported history of alcohol use in the last month to the treating doctor at the time of admission), of which 50 (incl. 5 females) consented to participate in the study. Even though anonymity and confidentiality were assured many felt offended about questions on alcohol use. Study population represented mainly married, middle-aged, Hindu males, having primary or secondary level of education. Mean age at first drink was 21±5 years [Range 15 to 30 years]. Forty-eight percent reported using country liquor and 52% reported using ‘Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL)’ of various types. Only 24% participants used alcohol at home. Feeling relaxed was the most commonly reported positive effect of alcohol (86%). Mean age of onset for those having AUDIT score>=8 was 23.4 years compared to 26 years for those having AUDIT score 0-7.
Conclusions: Stigma exists regarding revealing alcohol use, especially in females. Mean age of onset of drinking is higher compared to states without prohibition. Those having higher severity of alcohol use had a lower mean age of alcohol use. Country liquor and Indian made foreign liquor are equally consumed, mostly outside home, with peers and for feeling relaxed.

Key words: Alcohol use; AUDIT; Comprehensive Drinker Profile; Rural; Gujarat