Prevalence Of Alcohol Dependence Research Articles

Prevalence of Alcohol Dependence Among Rural Residents of Mysuru District: A Community-based Cross-sectional study

Prevalence of Alcohol Dependence Among Rural Residents of Mysuru District: A Community-based Cross-sectional study

Alcohol Dependence Among Adult Males in Chengalpattu District, South India: A Mixed Methods Study.

Introduction Post-pandemic alcohol consumption is on the rise due to people starting to adapt themselves to the practice of consuming alcoholic beverages at home. In addition to the direct effects of intoxication and addiction, estimates suggest that alcohol contributes to approximately 20-30% of global cases of oesophagal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents. In India, one-fifth of alcohol consumers were found to be alcohol dependent. The study was done with the primary objective of finding out the prevalence of alcohol dependence among alcohol users and exploring the reasons for alcohol dependence among alcohol users in an urban area of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Methodology The study design is an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. It was done among 624 adult male alcohol consumers in the Chennai district, selected by the cluster sampling method in a community setting. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to diagnose alcohol dependence. Using the purposive sampling method, in-depth interviews were conducted among 24 alcohol-dependent people to explore and understand their experiences, identify common themes, and provide insights into the problem. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), and qualitative data were analysed using deductive content analysis using Qualcoder software. Results The mean age of the study participants was 38±7 years. Among current alcohol consumers, 16.9% (106/624) were found to be suffering from alcohol dependence. The significant predictors of alcohol dependence were found to be unskilled occupation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.09), having suicidal ideation (AOR = 2.4), alcohol consumption by family members (AOR = 1.90), depression (AOR = 3.98), drinking pattern-affected interpersonal relationships (AOR = 2.29), and not receiving health education about alcohol use in school/college (AOR = 1.74). The major themes and codes identified among alcohol dependents were factors related to mental health, physical health, and social factors. Conclusion This study provides essential points of reference for policymakers and primary care physicians to develop prevention strategies for people to understand and overcome the problem of alcohol addiction, and it also sheds light on the burden of alcohol dependence and their lived experiences.

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN SPOUSES OF PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME

Background: Prevalence of alcohol dependence in men has been increasing worldwide, particularly in India. Alcohol dependence syndrome appears to be associated with psychiatric problems specially among spouses. Understanding and addressing the effects of such psychiatric problems becomes necessary. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of psychiatric morbidity and marital satisfaction in spouses of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. Materials and Methods: 246 men with alcohol dependence syndrome and their spouses were evaluated. Marital satisfaction was assessed using the ENRICH marital satisfaction scale. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interviews (MINI) was used to screen for the possible presence of psychiatric morbidity among spouses. Severity of alcohol dependence in the husbands and consequences of drinking was assessed using Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD) and drinkers inventory of consequences (DrInC) respectively. Results: More than half of the spouses (57.72%) had a psychiatric disorder. Primarily mood and anxiety disorder were present. Major depressive disorder was present in 33.33%. Psychiatric morbidity among spouses was significantly associated with SADD. Significant association was found between age, education status, occupation, religion and psychiatric morbidity of spouses. Marital satisfaction score was low and conflicts between the couple was significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity of spouses. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity in spouses of alcohol dependent men is high, with marital satisfaction being low. Addressing these issues in spouses can improve their quality of life as they play an important role in the treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome.

Alcohol use disorders in patients with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Alcohol consumption has a key role in more than 200 diseases and health injuries, being an important factor for social and public health costs. Studies with clinical populations show an association between alcohol use disorders (AUD) and bipolar disorder. In this meta-analysis we included studies, reports, or summaries identified in Google Scholar, Lilacs, Medline, and MedCaribe that reported original data published up to 31 January 2023. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies that investigated the prevalence of AUD in patients with bipolar disorder. We calculated the prevalence rates and conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model. The meta-analysis included 20 unique studies conducted in 12 countries, with a total sample of 32,886 individuals with bipolar disorder, comprising 17,923 women and 13,963 men, all aged 18 years or older. The prevalence of AUD in individuals with bipolar disorder was found to be 29.12%, while the prevalence of Alcohol Dependence (AD) was 15.87% and the prevalence of Alcohol Abuse (AA) was 18.74%. The high prevalence of AUD individuals with bipolar disorder is important because it highlights the need for targeted interventions to prevent and address comorbid conditions, which may improve treatment outcomes, reduce harm, and promote public health.

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE PREVALENCE OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AMONG ADULTS LIVING IN SELECTED RURAL COMMUNITY AREA OF SHANKARPUR, SAHASPUR, DEHRADUN

Aim: A study was done to assess the Prevalence of Alcohol Dependence among Adults Living in selected Rural Community Area of Shankarpur, Sahaspur, Dehradun. Design- Non experimental descriptive research design Materials and Method: The Conveniece sampling technique was utilized to select the sample. The sample size of the research study were 100 Adults . To assess the prevalence , standardized tool AUDIT was used . The data analyzed in term of the objectives of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result reveals that the most of the adults were having Low risk of Alcohol Dependence some of the study samples were having High Risk of Alcohol Dependence. While 5% of samples were at Possible Risk of Alcohol Dependence. The major findings represents the most of Alcohol Dependent Adults are in age group of 20-30 yrs greater members of Adults are Hindus (approx 71%) whereas 1% were Christian. The Highest number of Alcohol Dependent population lies under Increasing Risk that is 50%, whereas only 5% lies under possible Risk and rest 21% population lies under high risk and 24% under Lower Risk. The chi square values for socio demographic variables are Age(6.014), Religion(2.875), gender(14.260), Marital Status(14.256), Educational Qualification(33.590), Employment Status(14.616), Income(0.95), Family Type(8.22), Source Of Income(9.108), Health Status(0.76). The study depicts that only gender and Educational Qualification are the only sociodemographic variables that are significant. Also the study reveals that majority of alcohol dependent Adults are Males with 82% and rest 18% are females. Conclusion: The majority of alcohol dependent Adults are Males with 82% and rest 18% are females.

Prevalence of alcohol dependence in Mongolia: a nationwide population-based, cross-sectional study

Alcohol-related problems are a major health issue in Mongolia and remain underdiagnosed. The nationwide population-based, cross-sectional study reported here was carried out between September and November 2013. It aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol dependence among the general population using two instruments: the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 based clinical interview. The AUDIT test, developed by the World Health Organization, was adopted to screen a full spectrum of alcohol-related disorders. Participants identified as at high risk of alcohol dependence were referred to a clinical interview for diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The interview was designed using ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. The study consisted of 11746 participants from 79 clusters, age 18–64 years (n=11746, males 49.1%, females 50.8%, mean age 39.6 ± 12.5 years). 45.4% of the participants (n=5336) abstained from alcohol use, 39% were at low risk of alcohol dependence (n=4582), 9.2% were at moderate risk (n=1075), and 6.4% were at high risk (n=753). Among the participants, a total of 522 participants (4.4%) were diagnosed as having alcohol dependence through the clinical interview. Increased risk of alcohol dependence was associated with those who were men, divorced or widowed, living in rural regions, unemployed, and less educated. The study results suggest that the prevalence of alcohol dependence is 4.4% among the general population of Mongolia. Gender, marital status, geographical location, and education significantly influence alcohol dependence.

Prevalence of alcohol use disorders in primary health-care facilities in Russia in 2019.

AimsTo estimate prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and alcohol dependence (AD) for Russia in 2019, based on clients in primary health‐care facilities.DesignCross‐sectional assessment of AUD and AD. Prevalence estimates were cross‐validated using a treatment multiplier methodology.SettingA total of 21 primary health‐care facilities, including dispanserization units (population health preventive care settings).ParticipantsA total of 2022 participants (986 women and 1036 men) 18 years of age and older.MeasurementsComposite International Diagnostic Interview.FindingsThe prevalence of AD and AUD was 7.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.9–8.1%] and 12.2% (95% CI = 10.8–13.6%), respectively. Marked sex differences were observed for the prevalence of AD (women: 2.8%; 95% CI = 1.7–3.8%; men: 12.2%; 95% CI = 10.3–14.1%) and AUD (women: 6.1%; 95% CI = 4.6–7.7%; men: 19.5%; 95% CI = 17.2–21.8%). Age patterns of AD and AUD prevalence were sex‐specific. Among women, the prevalence of AUD and AD was highest in the youngest age group and decreased with age. Among men, the prevalence of AUD and AD was highest among men aged 45–59 years. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the prevalence of AD as estimated using a treatment multiplier (6.5%; 95% CI = 5.0–8.9%) was similar to the estimates of the main analysis.ConclusionsEven though alcohol use has declined since 2003 in Russia, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and alcohol dependence remains high at approximately 12 and 7%, respectively.

Prevalence, pattern, and associated factors of alcohol use disorder among male treatment-seeking people with illicit drug use disorder in Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT Background Comorbid alcohol and illicit drug use disorder is relatively prevalent . We aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors of alcohol use disorder among treatment-seeking individuals with drug use disorders in Iran. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on 387 male patients from residential drug treatment centers in Tehran, Iran. The alcohol module from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 2.1) was used to assess alcohol use disorder.Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the determinants . Results The main drug of use was opioids, stimulants, and both among 78.0%, 32.3%, and 10.3% of the participants, respectively. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence, harmful use, and hazardous use were 50.6%, 18.3%, and 22.0%, respectively. The past 12-month prevalence was 17.1% for alcohol dependence, 23.0% for harmful use, and 14.7% for hazardous use. Multivariable regression analysis showed that alcohol use by friends (OR = 3.8) and use of stimulants as the main drug (OR = 1.9) were significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was relatively high among males who used drugs. It seems comorbid alcohol and illicit drug use disorder is of utter importance and has been neglected in Iran.

Associations between game use and mental health in early adulthood: A nationwide study in Korea

Background: The number of digital game users is increasing, and so is attention to digital gaming's effects on mental health. We aimed to reveal if risky (game addiction) and usual game use (non-risky) are associated with mental health in early adulthood. Methods: Using data from the nationwide cross-sectional Korean Epidemic Catchment Area study for psychiatric disorders, 415 participants aged 18–30 years were divided into “non-game,” “usual game,” and “risky game” user groups based on the previous month's game use and cut-off value of game overuse screening questionnaire. Multiple linear and logistic regressions revealed the association between game use groups, perceived mental health, and lifetime prevalence of clinical mental disorders including suicidal ideation. Results: Among the 415 participants, 167 were non-game users, 175, usual game users, and 73, risky game users. Risky game users self-reported decreased satisfaction and happiness, and a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and suicidal ideation. Usual game users were significantly associated with higher lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence and suicidal ideation. Self-reported happiness partially mediated between game use and lifetime suicidal ideation in risky, but not usual game users. Limitations: This study is a cross-sectional observational study which was not possible to define the temporal relationship. Conclusions: Both risky and usual game use are associated with mental health problems in early adulthood, indicating the need for careful mental health screening on not only risky game users but also usual game users.

Prevalence of Everyday Discrimination and Relation with Wellbeing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults in Australia

Discrimination is a fundamental determinant of health and health inequities. However, despite the high prevalence of discrimination exposure, there is limited evidence specific to Indigenous populations on the link between discrimination and health. This study employs a validated measure to quantify experiences of everyday discrimination in a national sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Australia’s Indigenous peoples) adults surveyed from 2018 to 2020 (≥16 years, n = 8108). It quantifies Prevalence Ratios (PRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for wellbeing outcomes by level of discrimination exposure, and tests if associations vary by attribution of discrimination to Indigeneity. Of the participants, 41.5% reported no discrimination, 47.5% low, and 11.0% moderate-high. Discrimination was more commonly reported by younger versus older participants, females versus males, and those living in remote versus urban or regional areas. Discrimination was significantly associated in a dose-response manner, with measures of social and emotional wellbeing, culture and identity, health behaviour, and health outcomes. The strength of the association varied across outcomes, from a 10–20% increased prevalence for some outcomes (e.g., disconnection from culture (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.14), and high blood pressure (1.20; 1.09, 1.32)), to a five-fold prevalence of alcohol dependence (4.96; 3.64, 6.76), for those with moderate-high versus no discrimination exposure. The association was of consistent strength and direction whether attributed to Indigeneity or not—with three exceptions. Discrimination is associated with a broad range of poor wellbeing outcomes in this large-scale, national, diverse cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. These findings support the vast potential to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ wellbeing, and to reduce Indigenous-non-Indigenous inequities, by reducing exposure to discrimination.

Patient experiences of alcohol specialist nurse interventions in a general hospital, and onwards care pathways.

To provide insight into patient experiences of a general hospital-based alcohol specialist nurse intervention during alcohol detoxification, experiences of alcohol specialist nurse hospital-based follow-up appointments (Pathway A) as well as the experiences of patients who did not have access to this additional help post detoxification (Pathway B). A longitudinal qualitative study. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (2016-2017) with 24 patient participants (N=12 in each pathway; purposive selection) 1-4weeks post-detoxification and at 3 and 6months, to identify patient experiences of these interventions. Participants gave accounts of how 'empathic' and 'straight talking' interactions with alcohol specialist nurses during detoxification helped them to 'open up' and orient towards change. After detoxification follow-up, outpatient appointments in the hospital setting were seen as supporting change in early recovery and engagement with a wider range of services. Those with no access to nurse follow-up described experiencing a 'void' in available help. Participants in both groups described barriers to engagement with community alcohol services, peer groups and access to help for mild-moderate mental health problems. Patient accounts indicate alcohol specialist nurse interventions during and after unplanned detoxification in a hospital setting can help orient patients towards change and support early recovery. Providing alcohol specialist nurse interventions in general hospitals offers one route to initiating recovery in alcohol-dependent patients. This has potential to improve the lives of those affected and to reduce related demands on hospital services, but further research is needed.

Childhood trauma and the prevalence of alcohol dependence in adulthood

Abstract Introduction: The experience of trauma and stress in childhood and early adulthood can lead not only to immediate physical and psychological symptoms but also to long-term effects observed in later life. Aim and method: The objective of the following study was to search for the correlation between the occurrence of childhood trauma and its long-term outcome, that is alcohol dependence, and to review studies concerning the presence of certain personality traits in patients with such trauma experience and prognostic factors for treatment. The literature in the Google Scholar database was reviewed using the following keywords: childhood abuse, childhood trauma, alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorder. The time descriptors 2015-2021 were also used. Results: On the basis of the conducted studies, it has been found that the experience of extremely stressful situations at a young age is declared by a greater part of the examined patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. It was also noticed that the most significant and most frequently reported negative childhood experiences in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome are physical violence, parental separation or divorce, and mental illness of a family member. It was found that impulsivity, disorder, pessimism, fatigue and asthenia are some of the characteristics of this group of patients. Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is a significant correlation between the occurrence of traumatic events in childhood and the tendency to develop alcohol addiction in adulthood.

Access to specialist community alcohol treatment in England, and the relationship with alcohol-related hospital admissions: qualitative study of service users, service providers and service commissioners.

Since 2012 England has seen year-on-year reductions in people accessing specialist community alcohol treatment, and year-on-year increases in alcohol-related hospital admissions. We examined perceived barriers to accessing specialist treatment, and perceived reasons behind hospital admission increases. We conducted focus groups (n = 4) with service users and semi-structured interviews (n = 16) with service providers and service commissioners at four specialist community alcohol services in England, which experience either high or low rates of alcohol dependence prevalence and treatment access. Themes and subthemes were generated deductively drawing upon Rhodes' risk environment thesis. Data were organised using the framework approach. Data reveal a treatment sector profoundly affected at all levels by changes implemented in the Health and Social Care Act (HSCA) 2012. Substantial barriers to access exist, even in services with high access rates. Concerns regarding funding cuts and recommissioning processes are at the forefront of providers' and commissioners' minds. The lack of cohesion between community and hospital alcohol services, where hospital services exist, has potentially created an environment enabling the reduced numbers of people accessing specialist treatment. Our study reveals a treatment sector struggling with a multitude of problems; these pervade despite enaction of the HSCA, and are present at the national, service provider and individual service level. Although we acknowledge the problems are varied and multifaceted, their existence is echoed by the united voices of service users, service providers and service commissioners.

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Genome-wide admixture mapping of DSM-IV alcohol dependence, criterion count, and the self-rating of the effects of ethanol in African American populations.

African Americans (AA) have lower prevalence of alcohol dependence and higher subjective response to alcohol than European Americans. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes/variants associated with alcohol dependence specifically in AA; however, the sample sizes are still not large enough to detect variants with small effects. Admixture mapping is an alternative way to identify alcohol dependence genes/variants that may be unique to AA. In this study, we performed the first admixture mapping of DSM-IV alcohol dependence diagnosis, DSM-IV alcohol dependence criterion count, and two scores from the self-rating of effects of ethanol (SRE) as measures of response to alcohol: the first five times of using alcohol (SRE-5) and average of SRE across three times (SRE-T). Findings revealed a region on chromosome 4 that was genome-wide significant for SRE-5 (p value=4.18E-05). Fine mapping did not identify a single causal variant to be associated with SRE-5; instead, conditional analysis concluded that multiple variants collectively explained the admixture mapping signal. PPARGC1A, a gene that has been linked to alcohol consumption in previous studies, is located in this region. Our finding suggests that admixture mapping is a useful tool to identify genes/variants that may have been missed by current GWAS approaches in admixed populations.

The relationship between alcohol-related hospital admission and specialist alcohol treatment provision across local authorities in England since passage of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

To our knowledge no previous studies have been conducted at the local authority level assessing relationships between alcohol-related hospital admission, specialist alcohol treatment provision and socioeconomic deprivation since the UK government passed the Health and Social Care Act in 2012. Our results, using publicly available national data-sets, suggest that the local authority areas in England most in need of adequately funded specialist alcohol treatment, because of high prevalence of alcohol dependence and deprivation, are not receiving targeted increased funding, and that the national rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions may be fuelled by local authority funding cuts to specialist alcohol treatment.

Psychiatric comorbidity in compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD)

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is characterized by a persistent failure to control intense and recurrent sexual impulses, urges, and/or thoughts, resulting in repetitive sexual behavior that causes a marked impairment in important areas of functioning. Data collected from clinical populations suggest that CSBD frequently co-occurs with other Axis I and II psychiatric disorders; however, studies conducted so far suffer from methodological shortcomings that prevent the determination of accurate psychiatric comorbidity rates (e.g., small sample sizes, reliance on non-reliable assessment methods in the estimation of comorbidity or the non-inclusion of healthy individuals to compare prevalence rates). The purpose of this study was to explore psychiatric comorbidity in a sample of individuals with and without CSBD. The study sample comprised 383 participants distributed into two groups through a cluster analyses: 315 participants without CSBD (non-CSBD) and 68 qualifying as sexually compulsives (CSBD). Participants were assessed for co-occurring Axis I and II clinical conditions using structured clinical interviews for the DSM-IV (SCID-I and II). The majority of CSBD participants (91.2%) met the criteria for at least one Axis I disorder, compared to 66% in non-CSBD participants. CSBD participants were more likely to report an increased prevalence of alcohol dependence (16.2%), alcohol abuse (44%), major depressive disorder (39.7%), bulimia nervosa (5.9%), adjustment disorders (20.6%), and other substances –mainly cannabis and cocaine– abuse or dependence (22.1%). Concerning Axis II, prevalence of borderline personality disorder was significantly higher in CSBD participants (5.9%). As expected, prevalence of different psychiatric conditions was significantly increased among sexually compulsive participants, revealing comorbidity patterns with important implications in the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of patients with CSBD.

A Reveille on the Prevalence of Alcohol Use in India: What Does the Epidemiological Literature Say?

There is a piece of classical and voluminous evidence in the literature regarding the use of alcohol from the Hebrew Bible, literary heritage of Greeks and Romans and the Vedas of India. However, the recent evidence suggests that excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for a wide range of health and social problems and a major cause of premature illness and death. The present paper explores the findings of the national and regional based epidemiological survey on alcohol use in the Indian setting. Although there is a difference in the technique and screening instrument, it can be assumed that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in India can vary from 4.6 % to 5.2 %. The studies conducted in various parts of India using AUDIT as a research instrument found a varying prevalence of alcohol dependence ranging from 12.4 to 36.5 %. Furthermore, harmful alcohol use is found to vary from 33.2 to 52.6 %. The recent data suggest that fewer people in India consume alcohol, but a larger proportion is affected by harmful use or dependence on alcohol. Considering the changing trends of alcohol use in India, epidemiological data regarding the patterns of alcohol use forms the mainstay for proper health planning.

Alcohol-Dependent Inpatients in Northern Vietnam : A Follow-Up Study on Relapse and Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders

Background: The prevalence of alcohol dependence has been increasing in several countries in the world as well as in Vietnam. This study aims to describe relapse among alcohol-dependent inpatients in Northern Vietnam and some co-occurring psychiatric disorders in these patients. Methods: This study followed 53 alcohol-dependent patients who were treated for six months at the Vietnam National Institute of Mental Health. At the point of one month, three months, and six months after being discharged from the hospital, the patients were monitored for their alcohol consumption, relapse into alcohol dependence, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders by clinical psychiatrists, using the International Classification of Diseases, the 10th edition, Hamilton depression rating scale, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the EQ-5D-5L Life Quality Assessment. Results: The prevalence of relapse into alcohol dependence was 81.1%. The highest relapse rate was found in the first month after alcohol withdrawal (46.5%), then it decreased gradually. 53.9% of the relapsed patients had at least four alcohol withdrawals; they mainly used home-brewed alcohol. The average daily alcohol intake was fairly high: 14.4 ± 8.5 standard drinks. Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder were very prevalent among patients with relapsed alcohol dependence. Conclusions: The rate of relapsed alcohol dependence in Northern Vietnam was very high. It is important to detect and treat psychiatric disorders simultaneously with alcohol dependence to achieve better treatment effectiveness and reduce relapse rates.

Violence and substance use in sexual minorities: Data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS)

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of substance use and the associations between adverse early life experiences, sexual behaviour and violence in sexual minority (SM) individuals. MethodsThe Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey is a probabilistic household survey performed in 2012, collecting data from 4067 Brazilians aged 14 years and older. Results3.4% of the sample declared themselves as sexual minorities, 53.8% female, 66.5% single, mean age of 29.5 years (standard deviation 16.0 years). A high prevalence of alcohol dependence (15.2%) and binge drinking (22.2%) was identified in the SM group. Respondents were more likely to use crack cocaine and hallucinogens, to have been involved in child prostitution, child sexual abuse and to report suicidal ideation in the previous year. Respondents were also more likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to non-sexual minorities. Nearly one-third referred to having suffered homophobic discrimination in their lives. Respondents also reported higher rates of domestic violence (18.9%) and urban violence (18%) among the SM. ConclusionThe findings reinforce that violence directed at individuals in the Brazilian SM community begins early in life and persists into adulthood when compared to non-sexual minorities. This population is also more exposed to substance use disorders.