Risk Factors of Alcohol Use Disorders Among Inpatients with Schizophrenia: An Institutional-Based Cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder often co-occurring with substance use disorders.
• Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) present a significant challenge in managing schizophrenia, impacting treatment outcomes and patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the risk factors associated with the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
• To provide insights for targeted interventions and improved patient care within specialized mental health settings.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 301 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
• Binary logistic regression models and propensity score matching were employed to identify independent risk factors for AUDs.

Main Results:

• Univariate analyses revealed significant differences in sex, disposition, smoking, residence, family relationships, family history of mental disorders, history of alcoholism, onset latency, impulsivity, suicide/self-injury history, and aggressive behavior.
• Logistic regression and propensity score matching identified introverted disposition, smoking, acute onset, impulsivity, and a history of suicide or self-injury as independent risk factors for AUDs (Odds Ratio > 1).

Conclusions:

• Introverted disposition, smoking, acute onset, impulsivity, and a history of suicide or self-injury are independently associated with AUDs in schizophrenia inpatients.
• Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to understand the dynamic interplay of these risk factors.