Krishna Mahadevan1, Yesudas K. F2, Arun Madhumal Palayat3, Binoo Divakaran4, Arun Nandanath5
BACKGROUND
Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) form a major public health concern especially in a developing country like India. Alcohol is implicated in a wide variety of diseases, disorders and injuries and a multitude of social and legal problems. Drivers are considered as a high-risk population for Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and the adverse outcomes of drunken driving may be lethal.
The aim of the study to assess the prevalence of alcohol use problems among autorickshaw drivers in a rural community of North Kerala. The secondary objective was to assess the sociodemographic profile of participants and its relationship to alcohol use problems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study assessed the details of participants (n=83) who were autorickshaw drivers waiting for a trip in 5 auto stands within 5 km radius of Pariyaram Medical College, Kannur district of North Kerala, which were selected randomly through a lot method. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) self-report version-Malayalam translation and sociodemographic data sheet were used to assess the participants. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were and inferential statistical tools like Chi-square test was used. A p value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Study Settings- The autorickshaw stands in a rural area of Kannur within 5 km radius of Pariyaram Medical College, which belongs to Kadannappalli-Panapuzha Panchayath where drivers wait for a trip.
Study Design- Community survey.
RESULTS
Among the participants, 77% reported of lifetime use of alcohol and 65% had used alcohol within last one year. 18% of participants had total AUDIT scores more than or equal to 8 indicative of hazardous and harmful alcohol use. Those who were divorced/separated from their spouse, those having Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card had significantly high level of alcohol use problems. Among the participants, 84% had heard about alcohol de-addiction treatment.
CONCLUSION
The study concludes that alcohol use problems exist among the study population. Though majority were aware about alcohol de-addiction treatment, most were reluctant to undergo the same, the main reason being fear about adverse effects of drugs.
KEYWORDS
Alcohol Use Problems, Prevalence, Autorickshaw Drivers
