Alcohol Use Disorder and Its Associate Factors Relating to Patients with Severe Mental Disorders Attending Psychiatric Follow-Ups in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Patients with mental disorders have high rates of co-existing alcohol use disorder and vice versa. Alcohol use disorder has emerged as a major challenge to intervene patients with severe mental disorders. It is under-recognized and has not been investigated well in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associate factors of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental disorders attending psychiatric follow-ups at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A total of 384 patients with severe mental disorders selected by a systematic random sampling technique took part in the interviews for this cross-sectional study. The alcohol use disorder identification test was used to assess the problem. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were computed to examine the associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for reporting the result. Results The prevalence of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental disorders was 36.2%. Of the participants, 23.5%, 8.6%, and 4.1% had hazardous, harmful alcohol drinking and alcohol dependency, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, male sex, younger age, psychotic and bipolar disorder diagnoses, having poor social support, moderate and high perceived stress, and current tobacco smoking were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental disorders was found to be high. Early intervention and integrating treatment services for co-existing mental disorders and alcohol use disorder is important. The special treatment, where it is offered for young male patients and those with the diagnosis of psychotic and bipolar disorders, is recommended to promote the uptake of alcohol and mental health treatment services.

Alcohol use disorder and its determinant factors among patients with schizophrenia attending treatment at mental specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

“…This finding is consistent with previous studies in Ethiopia, Jimma (42.7%) 25 and Gondar (36.2%), 29 South Africa (41.2%), 30 Australia (38%), 31 and Switzerland (35.1%). 32 This indicates AUD is a challenge among patients with schizophrenia regardless of settings.…”

“…Factors associated with AUD were being male, single, divorced and widowed, family history of alcoholism, longer duration of illness, having previous history of a psychiatric diagnosis, and using non-alcoholic substance. This finding is consistent with previous studies in Ethiopia, Jimma (42.7%) 25 and Gondar (36.2%), 29 South Africa (41.2%), 30 Australia (38%), 31 and Switzerland (35.1%). 32 This indicates AUD is a challenge among patients with schizophrenia regardless of settings.…”

Profiles and factors associated with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia: A matched case-control study

“…This could be because of availability, affordability, ease of access, cultural context, and social networks that influence the substance use ( 49 ). In the study area, the neurobiological basis ( 49 , 53 ), more flexible social attitudes toward these poly-substances may facilitates the use of these substances ( 54 ). In addition, patients with schizophrenia may use poly-substances as a form of self-medication, which facilitates in the reduction of negative symptoms and the improvement of cognitive abilities.…”

“…In addition, patients with schizophrenia may use poly-substances as a form of self-medication, which facilitates in the reduction of negative symptoms and the improvement of cognitive abilities. It could also be due to behavioral concordance of using one type of substance with another or the illness may require the use of multiple substances at once ( 53 ).…”

Correlates of transitions from alcohol use to disorder diagnosed by DSM-5 in China

“…The results of China Mental Health Survey showed that the people in the age of 18–34 suffered the highest prevalence of AUD, compared with people in other age groups [ 3 ]. In patients with severe mental disorders, the prevalence of AUD was higher among younger adults (18–25 years) than older ones [ 50 ]. Substantial evidence showed that adolescents with a history of alcohol use differ neurally and cognitively from other adolescents.…”