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Alcohol problems among patients attending five primary health care clinics in Harare city
E Chinyadza1, I M Moyo, T M Katsumbe
1City Health Department, Harare.
Insights
A 1989 study in Harare found that 41% of primary care patients were current drinkers, with many exceeding safe alcohol limits. Most drinkers socialized or used alcohol recreationally, and many unsuccessfully tried to quit due to health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant public health issue globally.
- Understanding drinking patterns in primary care settings is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous research on alcohol use in Harare's primary care patients was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the drinking habits of patients attending primary care clinics in Harare.
- To identify the prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption and its associated factors.
- To assess patient attempts to reduce or stop drinking and reasons for these attempts.
Main Methods:
- Modified CAGE and WHO Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaires were administered.
- A sample of 483 consecutive patients from primary care clinics in Harare participated.
- Data on drinking frequency, quantity, reasons for drinking, and cessation attempts were collected.
Main Results:
- 41% of patients were current drinkers, with over 60% exceeding recommended safe alcohol limits.
- Heavy drinking sessions, often exceeding 21 units, occurred around paydays.
- 75% of drinkers cited socialization or recreation as reasons for drinking; 60% had tried to quit, primarily due to health issues.
- Current drinkers showed higher rates of STDs and work-related injuries compared to non-drinkers.
- Healthcare workers did not inquire about drinking habits or diagnose alcohol-related problems.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of primary care patients in Harare exhibited problematic alcohol consumption patterns in 1989.
- Alcohol use was linked to negative health outcomes and work-related injuries.
- There was a missed opportunity for healthcare providers to address alcohol use in primary care settings.
Abstract:
Modified versions of the CAGE and WHO AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaires were used to investigate drinking habits of patients attending primary care clinics in Harare in 1989. The questionnaires were administered to 483 consecutive patients of whom 63 pc were male and 37 pc female. The results showed that 41 pc of the patients were current drinkers, and over 60 pc of them were drinking to and beyond "safe limits". Thirty nine pc of the current drinkers drank at least three or more times per week. On an average drinking day 66 pc of the male drinkers consume 10 or more units of alcohol per day. On heavy drinking days 38.5 pc of the drinkers or 16 pc of the total sample consume more than 21 units per day. These sessions occurred around paydays. Thirteen (13.2 pc) of those who consume more than 10 units per heavy drinking session exceeded the recommended frequency levels i.e. not more than three times per week. Seventy five pc of drinkers stated that they drink to socialize or for recreational purposes. About 60 pc of the current drinkers had tried unsuccessfully to cut down or stop drinking. The main reason for such an attempt reported by 92 pc of them was health problems. More current drinkers presented with STD and work-related injuries compared to non-drinkers. None of the current drinkers were asked about their drinking habits by the health workers who attended to them at the clinic. No diagnosis of alcohol dependence or an alcohol problem was made by the Primary Health Care worker at the clinic.