Epidemiology of Alcohol Use Disorders among Psychiatric Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To study the epidemiology of alcohol use disorders (AUD) among psychiatric patients attending a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: Via a systematic sampling method, 470 consenting subjects were selected. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to each participant. One hundred and eighty five subjects had a score of at least 5 on the AUDIT or 18 on the BDI; and hence proceeded to the next stage of the study. Results: The prevalence of AUD was higher in males than females; as well as in Christians more than members of other religious persuasion represented in this study and the differences were statistically significant. The other socio-demographic variables examined were not significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion: The negative health effects of Alcohol are well documented. The rising tide of alcohol use disorders with their attendant cascade of consequences remain a growing challenge to all societies; most especially the future generation.