Epidemiological Study of Alcohol Related Mental Health Problems in the Rural Population of a Dry District of Central India

Abstract

Context: Hazardous drinking leads to increased morbidity and mortality and has a major impact on the social aspects of life. There has been rapid increase in per capita consumption, and overall tax collected is now almost one fifth of the total revenue collected by the state governments. Despite the ban on production, sale, purchase, and consumption of liquor in the Wardha district, alcohol continues to be freely available and sold illegally. Despite legislation being in place the morbidity related to alcohol has been prevalent in this district.

Aims and objectives: This study was aimed at finding out the epidemiology of Alcohol related mental Health problems in the rural community (DeoliTaluka) of a dry district (Wardha).

Setting and Design: The survey was conducted in the DeoliTahsil of Wardha District of Central India. The survey technique involved interviewing the subjects who abuse alcohol and have withdrawal symptoms in the household setting.

Methods and Material: All the participants were screened using CAGE questionnaire and TWEAK questionnaire. The participants who were identified as having AUD were assessed in the community for psychiatric symptoms. These participants were then subjected to SADQ, BPRS, and BARS.

Statistical analysis used: The data collected from these interviews was subjected to analysis using the SPSS version 22.

Results:1427 had a history of alcohol consumption and withdrawal symptoms. Majority of the participants were males and were between 30-39 years of age. As per the BPRS assessment found the participants to have somatic complaints, anxiety symptoms, depressed mood, guilt feelings, tension and emotional withdrawal. Grandiose delusions were also significantly high in the evaluations. In response to the SADQ, more than 90% of the participants admitted that - (a) they have difficulty in getting the thought of drink out of their minds (b)drinking is more important than their next meal (c) they know that they won’t be able to stop drinking once they start (d) morning after a heavy drinking session they need drink to get themselves going. Lastly as per the BARS questionnaire, majority of patients had problem of dyscontrol of substance use, experienced occupational dysfunction, and general ill health and decreased sexual intercourse frequency.

Conclusions: The study shows that Alcohol consumption is associated with psychosocial problems and that despite prohibition on manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol, there is a need for strict enforcement of prohibition.