Abstract
Correction: Due to an error in the online publication of this journal, the publication date of this issue was recorded as 2014. The publication date was corrected to 2015 on 3 rd September 2015. The date on the cover is correct. Background : Although alcohol consumption rates are low in the Middle East, there are pockets of high risk alcohol consumption especially among the youth. However, the main problem is the absence of trusted statistics related to alcohol use in these countries. This study is aimed at finding the possible bias in using Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire among undergraduates in Karbala/Iraq and to determine alcohol consumption rates and the potential predictors. Material and methods : A random sample (n=5446 students) answered a questionnaire based on AUDIT. The study objectives were to determine the effect of socio-cultural contexts on validity of AUDIT in a Muslim country. The analysis used descriptive and chi-squares test and regression analysis to assess significant associations at p Results : Biased AUDIT findings might be estimated due to the high rates of guilt (54%) or knowing that others care about alcohol consumption (49%). Alcohol consumption lifetime incidence rate was 2% and was higher among male smokers. Risky drinking patterns was high (56%); however this might be biased due to socio-cultural reasons. Conclusion : AUDIT use should consider socio-cultural environments. Alcohol consumption among university students is low as similar to the rates reported in neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Turkey. Risky drinking behaviour was alarmingly high which suggests that socio-cultural environment need should be considered in interpreting AUDIT results. International Journal of Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 2015;1(3-4):79-92
Highlights
Alcohol use disorders affect more than 76.3 million out of two billion people who consume alcohol.[1]
Biased Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT) findings might be estimated due to the high rates of guilt (54%) or knowing that others care about alcohol consumption (49%)
Alcohol consumption among university students is low as similar to the rates reported in neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Turkey
Summary
Alcohol use disorders affect more than 76.3 million out of two billion people who consume alcohol.[1]. The main problem is the absence of official trusted statistics related to alcohol (and substance) use in these countries.[5,6]. Alcohol consumption was banned for a few years in the 1990s and after the 2003 invasion, alcohol remains difficult to buy especially in religious cities. These factors have made and continue to make medication abuse more common and more socially acceptable.[7] There are presently a few studies about substance use in Iraq, which have mostly investigated smoking. Alcohol consumption is officially permitted in Iraq, it is religiously prohibited by Islam; the religion of the majority.[8] One small household survey in 2004 reported alcohol consumption incidence at 5.4%.9. This study is aimed at finding the possible bias in using Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire among undergraduates in Karbala/Iraq and to determine alcohol consumption rates and the potential predictors
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