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Problem drinking among hospitalized patients in Hungary
1European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|November 30, 2000
Summary
Problem drinking is prevalent in Hungarian hospitals, affecting approximately 19% of men and 2% of women. Rates were highest in middle-aged men, highlighting the need for targeted alcohol policies in Hungary.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol consumption significantly contributes to disease burden in Eastern Europe.
- Hungary faces a critical issue with rapidly increasing cirrhosis death rates.
- Problem drinking prevalence among hospitalized individuals in Hungary requires urgent investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of problem drinking within Hungary's hospitalized population.
- To assess self-reported alcohol consumption patterns.
- To identify current and lifetime problem drinking using validated screening tools.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in 1997 across four Hungarian teaching hospitals.
- Involved 3140 hospitalized patients staying >= 24 hours.
- Utilized the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Luebeck Alcoholism Screening Test (LAST).
Main Results:
- Problem drinking prevalence was ~19% for men and ~2% for women.
- Prevalence reached 32-35% among men aged 35-44.
- Divorced individuals showed higher rates, independent of employment or education.
Conclusions:
- High rates of problem drinking identified in Hungarian hospitalized patients.
- Urgent need for comprehensive national alcohol policies in Hungary.
- Findings underscore the public health impact of alcohol in the region.