Alcohol Use By Women in Serbia—A First Report

Abstract

Introduction Alcoholism is a growing problem with increasing incidence on in women. The aim of our study was to evaluate drinking habits in women using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and to look for differences in relations to respondents’ demographic, behavioral, and medical characteristics. Methods This cross-sectional study included 327 adult women who did not visit a physician due to liver enzymes abnormalities or any other significant health issue. All subjects filled in a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic survey and the AUDIT. Results The statistically significant influence of the respondents’ age on the answers to the AUDIT was observed in Q1-Q5, Q7, and Q8, and in alcohol use risk groups. It was observed that women with a university degree use alcohol more often, compared to those who have attended primary, or middle school. The effect of responders’ employment status demonstrated a statistically significant difference in response to Q3, Q5, Q7, and Q8, and in alcohol use risk groups. We found that marital status contributes to drinking patterns. We found statistically significant difference to the answers on Q1-Q3, Q5, Q7, and Q8. The effect of offspring on the answers on the AUDIT was analyzed and a statistically significant difference was noted in the answers to the Q1-Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, and in alcohol use risk groups. Conclusion Alcohol use among women is commonly and severely overlooked. Our results showed younger women, the unemployed, those in domestic partnerships, single ones and those with no children deserve increased surveillance.

Cirrhosis Due to Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Hospitalizations in Belgrade, Serbia: A 10-Year Retrospective

“…(59.96±10.82 vs. 50.1±9.6) ( 16). The possible explanation for the significant discrepancy is that women deny alcohol consumption, due to the unwavering social stigma present in our country, and therefore postpone seeking medical care (17).…”

“…Interestingly, female subjects in our study were almost a decade older compared Whitfielda et al (59.96±10.82 vs. 50.1±9.6) ( 16 ) . The possible explanation for the significant discrepancy is that women deny alcohol consumption, due to the unwavering social stigma present in our country, and therefore postpone seeking medical care ( 17 ). During the observed 10-year period no difference in trends of hospitalization due to ALD cirrhosis per year was observed in our study, which is in contrast to several other studies, which reported a significant increase in hospitalization rates due to ALD cirrhosis, especially in men ( 10 – 12 ).…”