Prevalence of alcohol dependence syndrome cases with and without delirium during the first phase of lockdown in Telangana

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, association of socio-demographic factors, medical comorbidities with delirium in alcohol dependence syndrome individuals hospitalized during the lockdown period. Design: 667 alcohol-dependent patients attending the institute of mental health, Hyderabad during the 1st phase of lockdown were studied retrospectively with the help of hospital records. Results: Out of 667 samples 266 individuals presented with delirium. There is no significance of sociodemographic factors on delirium except sex. There is a positive correlation between severity of dependence (r=0.26, p=0.000), number of drinks (r=0.271, p=0.000) per day, duration of intake of substance (r=0.137, p=0.000) with delirium. Individuals with medical comorbidity hypertension, both hypertension and diabetes have presented a greater number of delirium cases. Conclusion: Current lockdown scenario is the first time we had faced. We found a greater prevalence of delirium in alcohol dependence cases which is a threat to the health care system. Hence further research in risk factors involving delirium presentation is needed. Stringent rules to control alcohol dependence to avoid a similar situation in the future and effective management of health care facilities are needed. Keywords: Alcohol dependence syndrome, Prevalence, Delirium.