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Alcoholism by Chinese diagnostic interview schedule: a prevalence and validity study
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Alcohol abuse prevalence significantly differs between urban and rural Taiwan, with higher rates in small towns. Alcohol dependence rates were similar across locations, suggesting distinct epidemiological patterns for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol abuse and dependence are significant public health concerns.
- Previous studies on alcoholism prevalence in Taiwan are limited.
- Understanding regional variations in alcohol-related disorders is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of alcohol abuse (AA) and alcohol dependence (AD) in metropolitan Taipei versus small towns in Taiwan.
- To compare current prevalence rates with earlier studies.
- To validate the nosological status of AA and AD using demographic, clinical, and functional data.
Main Methods:
- A community survey was conducted in metropolitan Taipei (MT) and two small towns (ST).
- The Chinese modified diagnostic interview schedule (DIS-CM) was used for assessment.
- Demographic data, psychiatric symptoms, medical complications, and social function impairment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in alcohol abuse prevalence was found (MT 3.4%; ST 8.0%).
- Alcohol dependence prevalence showed no significant difference (MT 1.5%; ST 1.8%).
- Both AA and AD were nosologically distinct from non-alcoholic groups based on validated variables.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol abuse prevalence is higher in small towns compared to metropolitan areas in Taiwan.
- The findings suggest a potential increase in alcoholism rates in Taiwan.
- Differential prevalences of AA and AD may indicate distinct etiological factors.