Pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers in a rural area of Tamil Nadu: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability; in middle- income countries, it is the greatest risk. Alcohol is attributed to nearly 3.2% of all deaths and results in a loss of 4% of total DALYs. Aim and objectives were to study the pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers and to assess the factors influencing it among them. Methods: This study was conducted in the Milaganoor village in south Tamil Nadu with alcohol habit; All male with alcohol consuming habit above 13 years of age were included in the study and none were excluded from the study. The data was using a semi structured questionnaire. The data collected were consolidated and analyzed using SPSS software; The descriptive statistics were used in the study. Results: In study there were 1200 male and 1500 female. In only 900 males were with alcohol habit; 62.2% of male alcoholics illiterate; While seeing source of alcohol 94.4% of alcoholics taking alcohol in TASMAC without bar; 61.1% taking quarter amount of alcohol; 94.4% of alcoholic drink alcohol for fun; 27.7% for peer pressure; 46.6% drink alcohol to forget worries; 83.3% drink alcohol to relieve stress; 66.6% drink to get rid of withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: It can be concluded that early age of onset and peer pressure are the alarming challenges for the eradication of this social evil. Low education and having a family history of alcohol use are more at risk to it. Health education is the most required intervention to reduce the burden of alcohol use.