Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) among Tuberculosis Patients: A Study from Chennai, South India
2011

Alcohol Use Disorders among Tuberculosis Patients in Chennai, India

Sample size: 490 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Suhadev Mohanarani, Thomas Beena E., M Raja Sakthivel, P Murugesan, V Chandrasekaran, Charles Niruparani, R Durga, M Auxilia, Mathew Trini A., Wares Fraser

Primary Institution: Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders among tuberculosis patients in Chennai, India?

Conclusion

The study found that 29% of tuberculosis patients consume alcohol, with a significant portion having alcohol use disorders.

Supporting Evidence

  • 29% of TB patients were found to consume alcohol.
  • 52% of current drinkers had an AUDIT score of greater than 8.
  • Lower education and income levels were associated with higher alcohol use.

Takeaway

Many tuberculosis patients in Chennai drink alcohol, which can make their treatment harder. It's important to help them with their drinking problems.

Methodology

A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted using the AUDIT scale to screen TB patients for alcohol use.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data on alcohol use may lead to underreporting or overreporting due to social stigma.

Limitations

The findings may not be generalizable outside of urban Chennai and rely on self-reported alcohol use.

Participant Demographics

66% of participants were male, 66% were 35 years and older, and 58% had a monthly income of less than Rs 5000.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019485

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication