Alcohol consumption and associated sociodemographic factors among medical students in an urban locality

Abstract

Background: India has experienced a substantial increase in alcohol consumption especially young adults engaged in harmful drinking habits and medical college students constitute an important high-risk population for this hazard. Different population groups have different factors which determine alcohol consumption, differential vulnerability to alcohol-related problems with varying needs for intervention. These differential behaviors and outcomes are influenced and maintained by structural and cultural factors (which internship is influenced by sociodemographic determinants). Thus, tailored strategies to improve outcomes by targeting specific social determinants among vulnerable groups play an important role. Objectives: The objective of the study was to find an association between sociodemographic factors and alcohol consumption habits among medical college students in Kalaburagi district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 255 medical college students studying in different phases. Study duration was for 3 months from April to June 2018. Screening for alcohol use disorders was undertaken using alcohol use disorders identification test questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess significantly associated sociodemographic factors with alcohol consumption. Results: Prevalence of alcohol consumption, hazardous drinking and alcohol dependency were 25.5% with 95% confidence interval (22.36–28.63), 19.2% and 8.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, sociodemographic factors such as total family income and past place of residence were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Early identification of at-risk groups and timely brief interventions of behaviors inclined toward developing hazardous drinking habits is crucial by addressing specific sociodemographic determinants such as isolation and limited access to services.