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Public perception of alcohol dependence
Erica de Toledo Piza Peluso1, Sérgio Luís Blay
1Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. pelusoe@terra.com.br
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|April 1, 2008
Summary
São Paulo residents perceive alcohol dependence primarily as a psychosocial and moral issue, not a mental illness. This perception is linked to significant stigma and perceived violence risk, despite generally positive personal attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a complex disorder with significant public health implications.
- Understanding public perception is crucial for addressing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.
- Previous research indicates varying societal views on addiction, influenced by cultural and socioeconomic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the population of São Paulo identifies alcohol dependence.
- To explore attributed causes, stigma perception, and associated violence risk.
- To examine emotional reactions towards individuals with alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic sample of 500 individuals (aged 18-65) in São Paulo.
- A structured questionnaire, including a vignette, assessed perceptions of alcohol dependence.
- Data collected covered causes, stigma, violence risk, and emotional responses.
Main Results:
- Less than 20% identified alcohol dependence as a mental illness.
- Psychosocial and moral factors were predominantly cited as causes.
- High association with violence risk and stigma was reported, though personal attitudes were often positive.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol dependence is widely viewed as a psychosocial and moral problem in São Paulo.
- Negative societal images of individuals with alcohol dependence prevail.
- Further interventions are needed to combat stigma and reframe the understanding of this disorder.
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