A study on socio-demographic factors of alcoholics attending a deaddiction centre in Kannur district

  • Dr. Bindu Mohandas Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India
  • Dr. Vivek S. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Al-Azhar Medical College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India
  • Dr. R Ratheesh Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, KMCT Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India
  • Dr. P. P. Venugopalan Former Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy, Kerala, India
  • Dr. A. K. Sarada Former Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy, Kerala, India
  • Dr Mr. Suprej K Statistical Assistant, AIIMS, Delhi, India
  • Dr Mr. Sobhith V. K. Former Medical Social Worker, Department of Community Medicine, Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy, Kerala, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2019.i5.01
Keywords: Alcohol, Deaddiction centre, Non communicable diseases

Abstract

Background: Alcoholism is a major public health problem in Kerala. It leads to serious social, mental and physical consequences.

Method: A deaddiction centre based cross sectional study was done on 370 individuals using a predesigned questionnaire during the period of 2012-2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi – Square test was used to find association between the study variables.

Results: The study was done on 370 alcohol dependent subjects. The mean age of the study subjects was 38.08±8.46 years. 64.3% of the study subjects were from rural areas. The mean age of starting alcohol consumption was 25.46±6.6 years. Family history of alcohol consumption was present in 99 (26.8%) patients. The age at initiation of alcohol intake was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with family history. The mean duration of drinking was 12.62±7.47 years. 42.4% of the study subjects consumed brandy. 37.6% of them consumed < 200ml of alcohol per day. Peer pressure was the most common reason cited by 44.1% individuals for starting alcohol consumption. The most common reason cited by 30.5% individuals for continuing alcohol consumption was because they liked its effect. Family problems and financial problems were the most common reasons cited wanting to stop alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: Alcohol use is a serious public health problem. Awareness programs regarding its harmful use should be given to the people in the community.

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CITATION
DOI: 10.17511/ijphr.2019.i5.01
Published: 2019-10-30
How to Cite
Mohandas, B., S., V., Ratheesh, R., Venugopalan, P. P., Sarada, A. K., K, S., & V. K., S. (2019). A study on socio-demographic factors of alcoholics attending a deaddiction centre in Kannur district. Public Health Review: International Journal of Public Health Research, 6(5), 177-183. https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2019.i5.01
Issue
Vol 6 No 5 (2019): Sep-Oct
Section
Original Article

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