A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY ON IMPACT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF ALCOHOLICS IN A RURAL VILLAGE OF TELANGANA.

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol is one of the most deadly and harmful substances in the world, causing millions of avoidable deaths annuallymost of the time, even without realizing it, people become pathetically enmeshed in this deadly and terrible drinking habit. The present study was conducted with objectives to assess the pattern of alcohol consumption among people residing in the village and to determine the impact of alcohol use on family members of alcoholics especially on abuse, psychological issues and social & financial aspects. Material & Methods: It was a community based cross sectional study in the targeted village, which consisted of family members who were affected by alcohol. A predesigned pre tested questionnaire was used for data collection by interview technique among the family member. Impact of alcohol such as abuse, financial implications, social problems and psychological aspects such as depression, anxiety and stress was assessed. Results: Physical abuse was observed in about one thirds (31.5%) of alcoholics families and psychological abuse in 40.7%. Ten (18.5%) families faced issues of quarrel within family and quarrel with neighbours. Depression was found in 14.8% of alcoholic families and One fourth of the alcoholic families (25.9%) had anxiety. Stress was found in 12.9% of alcoholic families. Conclusions: Present study found an overall significant impact of alcohol on the families. Abuse including both physical and psychological abuse was significantly more in alcoholic families compared to non alcoholic families. Depression, anxiety and stress was also more reported more in alcoholic families.