Neuroanatomical and Psychosocial Effects of Heavy Alcohol Use Among Young Adults in Angola: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background and aims: Excessive alcohol consumption is a critical yet under-researched public health problem in Angola, particularly among young adults. Although per capita consumption is among the highest in Africa, little is known about the specific neuroanatomical and psychosocial consequences in this group. This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic, neuroanatomical, and psychosocial factors associated with heavy alcohol consumption among young adults in the Rangel district, Luanda, with emphasis on cranial tomography findings and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 61 young adults aged 18-35 years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and cranial CT scans at Prenda Hospital. Associations were tested using chi-square (two-sided, α = 0.05).

Results: Heavy alcohol consumption was identified in 59.0% (95% CI: 46.3-71.0) of participants, predominantly among males (77.8%; 95% CI: 60.9-89.9), those aged 30-35 years (83.3%), and those with education at or below high school level (96.0%). CT scans showed a high prevalence of general cortical atrophy (71.4%; p < 0.001) and significant parietal lobe atrophy (100%; p = 0.043) among heavy drinkers. Temporal and frontal lobe atrophy were observed but were not statistically significant. Neurological symptoms included memory loss, tremors, and aggressiveness, while social consequences included stigma (p < 0.001) and unemployment.

Conclusion and recommendations: Heavy alcohol use among young adults in Rangel is linked to sociodemographic vulnerability and significant neuroanatomical damage, particularly in the parietal lobe. Public health strategies should combine school-based prevention, early screening, neurocognitive rehabilitation, and stigma reduction, alongside strict enforcement of alcohol sales regulations.