Alcohol Use and Its Factors in South African Hospital Outpatients
Author Information
Author(s): Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer, Hendry Van der Heever
Primary Institution: University of Limpopo
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors among outpatients in urban hospitals in South Africa?
Conclusion
The study found high rates of hazardous or harmful drinking among hospital outpatients in South Africa, indicating a need for routine screening and intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- 41.2% of men and 18.3% of women were classified as hazardous drinkers.
- 40.5% of patients were hazardous or harmful drinkers and/or had anxiety or depression.
- Tobacco use was associated with hazardous drinking in both men and women.
Takeaway
Many people visiting hospitals in South Africa drink too much alcohol, and we need to help them stop.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design with 1,532 hospital outpatients recruited from various departments, assessed through interviews and the AUDIT questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may lead to inaccuracies due to social desirability and recall bias.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 56.4% men and 43.6% women, predominantly Black African, with a mean age of 36.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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