Contextual predictors of AUDIT scores among adult men living in India

Abstract

Madden, D., Rathi, L., Stewart, A., & Clapp, J. (2017). Contextual predictors of AUDIT scores among adult men living in India.  The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 6 (1), 53-58. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v6i1.241 Introduction: Currently, little is known about the prevalence of alcohol use in India. In order to begin to address this knowledge gap, this exploratory study examined contextual aspects of drinking events and the relationship between these factors and high-risk drinking. Methods: A convenience sample of 198 adult men was recruited from rural areas adjacent to the city of Nagpur. Participants were sampled in two waves. Respondents in both waves completed a nine-item survey that addressed alcohol use, including motivation to drink, where one drinks, and with whom one drinks. Demographic characteristics (e.g., income) were also recorded. Respondents recruited in the second wave (n = 98) completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The data were analyzed using Poisson regression models. Results: Of those who completed the AUDIT, 37% were at high risk for developing an alcohol-use disorder (i.e., received a score of 20 or greater). Participants had higher AUDIT scores (i.e., alcohol-use problems) when they reported typically buying alcohol in a shop. Furthermore, respondents with greater weekly incomes and those who drink with the motivation to get very drunk have higher AUDIT scores. Conclusions: This study found an alarmingly high rate of alcohol use and alcohol-related issues among respondents. A better understanding of drinking patterns and contextual aspects of drinking events is warranted.