Prevalence and factors associated with the abuse/dependence on alcohol in the adult in Metropolitan Lima and Callao

In our country the consumption of alcohol is a serious problem of public health, impact on mental health, education and family income.

OBJECTIVES:

Estimate the prevalence of abuse/ dependence on alcohol and its association with socio-demographic, family, economic characteristics, violent tendencies and degree of labor and personal satisfaction in the adult population in the metropolitan city of Lima in 2002.

METHODS:

This is a descriptive, epidemiological and cross-section study, which is part of the 2002 Metropolitan Epidemiological mental health Study.

RESULTS:

It was noticed that the highest prevalence occurrences of abuse/ dependence on alcohol were found in the 20-aged to 29-aged age bracket (9.2%), male with 8.4% and not joined civil status (single, separated or divorced) with 7.4%. As regards features of family relationships, violent tendencies, personal and labor satisfaction, high prevalences for negative ends of perception assigned by the population.

CONCLUSIONS:

The epidemiological profile of the abuser/ dependent on alcohol in Lima city in 2002 shows high prevalence for indicators on poor family ties, violent tendencies, labor and personal satisfaction.