Quality of life of alcohol-dependent adults

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol dependence is the most prevalent addiction disorder that develops gradually as an interplay of individual and social factors. It impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of life of alcohol-dependent people at different stages of treatment compared to individuals without alcohol dependence.Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. First, a cross-sectional study (n = 502) was conducted using a validated Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q). Focus groups for subjective quality of life assessment were also conducted. Data were analysed using descriptive and inference methods (Mann Whitney U Test) with the SPSS, version 20 programme.Results: Non-dependent participants are significantly more satisfied with each of the quality of life component than alcohol-dependent participants. Differences were demonstrated in a sense of well-being and leisure-time activities. Differences between alcohol-dependent and non-dependent participants were seen in the domains of physical health, work satisfaction and social relationships.Discussion and conclusion: Alcohol-dependent participants reported a lower quality of life than non-alcohol dependent participants as alcohol dependents confront numerous problems associated with their dependence. There is a need for further research in the field of alcohol dependence in relation to the quality of life.

Alcohol consumption and health-related quality of life in regional, rural and metropolitan Australia: analysis of cross-sectional data from the Community Health and Rural/Regional Medicine (CHARM) study

“…Several international cross-sectional studies found significant differences in QoL between alcohol-dependent participants and non-alcohol drinkers [ 4 , 8 , 9 ]. Trifkovič et al found that Slovenian participants with alcohol dependence were less satisfied with their QoL when compared with non-alcohol-dependent participants [ 5 ]. Two cross-sectional studies found that harmful or hazardous consumption, including binge drinking, were related with lower QoL among young adults in Europe [ 7 , 10 ].…”

“…Two cross-sectional studies found that harmful or hazardous consumption, including binge drinking, were related with lower QoL among young adults in Europe [ 7 , 10 ]. Previous research has demonstrated that there may be no difference in overall QoL between alcohol-dependent and non-dependent participants while at the same time, there are significant differences for some specific QoL domains [ 5 ]. The results from these findings cannot necessarily be generalised to Australia due to global socio-economic and cultural differences in alcohol consumption [ 7 ].…”

“…Additionally, no studies were found that examined QoL and alcohol consumption in the general Australian population. Therefore, more research in this area is required as QoL is an important indicator of multifaceted health and wellbeing, and it is often used as an outcome measure to evaluate the success of alcohol use interventions [ 5 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Some studies have found stronger negative associations between binge drinking and QoL in males than females [ 7 ]. In contrast, Trifkovič et al found a stronger correlation between women who were alcohol-dependent and lower QoL scores than males who were alcohol-dependent [ 5 ]. There is a need for more research into gender differences in the Australian context, as this may assist health care professionals to better understand and reduce harm.…”