Abstract
Abstract
Background
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often rises in post-war settings, as individuals turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, the prevalence and correlates of AUDs among hospital outpatients in Tigray, Ethiopia, remains underexplored. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of AUDs among patients attending the outpatient department of Suhul General Hospital.
Methods
An Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. About 1,260 randomly selected outpatients were invited, of whom 922 consented to participate (response rate: 73.2%). Eligible participants were both female and male gender, aged 18 years or older, and those who were able to provide an interview. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used, applying cut-off score 8. Data were analyzed using Stata v15, descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression applied to identify correlates of AUD.
Results
Among the total participants, 65.94% (95% CI: 62.88–69.00) were classified as low-risk drinkers, while 8.25% met the criteria for AUDs. Of these, 7.59% (95% CI: 5.88–9.30) were engaged in hazardous or harmful drinking, and 0.65% were likely dependent. Multiple logistic regression has revealed that AUD was significantly associated with male gender (Odds Ratio = 3.64; 95% CI: 2.01–7.23) and employment status (Odds Ratio = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.07–2.88).
Conclusions
The prevalence of AUDs among Suhul General Hospital outpatients was considerable. Male gender and employment status were significantly associated with AUDs.