Related Experiment Videos
[Alcohol consumption patterns in patients admitted to emergency services]
1División de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Sociales, Instituto Mexicano de Psiquiatría, México, D.F. lopezjl@imp.edu.mx
Salud Publica De Mexico
|February 3, 1999
Summary
This study surveyed alcohol consumption in Mexico City emergency room patients, finding 63% consumed alcohol. The predominant pattern was low frequency, high quantity drinking, with variations by sex and age.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding consumption patterns is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Emergency room settings provide a unique window into acute alcohol-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize alcohol consumption patterns among patients aged 15 and above in Mexico City emergency rooms.
- To identify demographic variations in these patterns.
- To report associated problems linked to alcohol use.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8 Mexico City hospitals.
- Data were collected via self-report over a one-week period, 24 hours daily.
- Included patients who consumed alcohol in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Main Results:
- Out of 2,523 interviewed patients, 63% reported alcohol ingestion, primarily spirits and beer.
- 58% admitted to being drunk at least once in the past year.
- The most common pattern was low-frequency, high-quantity consumption (46.9%), with variations by sex and age.
Conclusions:
- Describing alcohol consumption patterns in diverse population groups is vital.
- This information aids in understanding personal, familial, and social problems related to alcohol.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored public health strategies addressing alcohol use in urban populations.