Alcohol abuse and dependence among Brazilian medical students: Association to sociodemographic variables, anxiety and depression

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Few data are available regarding the prevalence of alcohol abuse (AB) and alcohol dependence (AD) and their association with sociodemographic variables, anxiety and depression in medical students.Objectives: Estimate the prevalence of AB and AD and investigate their relation with sociodemographic variables, depression and anxiety in medical students.Methods: Structured questionnaires regarding alcohol use (AUDIT), depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) were given to 659 medical students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.Results: The prevalence of AB and AD was, respectively, 28.4% and 15.6%. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant higher rates of both conditions in men (AB: OR 2.54. AD: OR 2.32) and lower prevalence of these conditions among those in a relationship (AB: OR 0.55. AD: OR 0.43). AB was higher among those living with friends or in a university dorm (OR: 1.65). Prevalence was lower among those currently attending the second (AB: OR 0.48. AD: OR 0.36) and fourth (AB only: OR 0.35) years of medical school. A significant correlation between AD and depression (OR 1.74) was identified.Conclusions: The findings highlight the high prevalence of AB and AD in medical students and identify variables associated with these conditions.