The psychological impact of heavy drinking among the elderly on their co-residents: The 10/66 group population based survey in the Dominican Republic

2011

Impact of Heavy Drinking on Elderly and Their Families in the Dominican Republic

Sample size: 1391 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nadkarni Abhijit, Acosta Daisy, Rodriguez Guillermina, Prince Martin, Ferri Cleusa P.

Primary Institution: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry

What is the independent effect of heavy alcohol use among the elderly on the psychological health of their co-residents?

Heavy alcohol use among the elderly negatively affects the mental health of their co-residents.

10.6% of elderly participants were identified as heavy drinkers.
Co-residents of heavy drinkers had a higher likelihood of psychological morbidity.
The severity of behavioral symptoms explained 29.1% of the total effect of heavy drinking on co-resident psychological morbidity.
Statistical analysis showed significant associations between heavy drinking and co-resident mental health.

When older people drink a lot, it can make their family members feel sad or stressed.

This study used a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey involving interviews with elderly participants and their co-residents.

Potential information bias may have overestimated the role of participants' behavioral symptoms due to reliance on co-residents' reports.

The cross-sectional design limits conclusions about the temporality of the associations, and self-reports of alcohol consumption may not be accurate.

Participants were primarily elderly individuals aged 65 and over, with a higher proportion of females and many having minimal or no education.

p=0.006

95% CI 1.07–2.01

p<0.05

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