Abstract:
Background: Patients with mental disorders have high rates of co-existing alcohol use
disorder and vice versa. Alcohol use disorder has emerged as a major challenge to intervene
patients with severe mental disorders. It is under-recognized and has not been investigated
well in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the
prevalence and associate factors of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental
disorders attending psychiatric follow-ups at the University of Gondar comprehensive
specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A total of 384 patients with severe mental disorders selected by a systematic
random sampling technique took part in the interviews for this cross-sectional study. The
alcohol use disorder identification test was used to assess the problem. Univariate and
multivariate binary logistic regressions were computed to examine the associated factors.
An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for reporting the result.
Results: The prevalence of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental disorders
was 36.2%. Of the participants, 23.5%, 8.6%, and 4.1% had hazardous, harmful alcohol
drinking and alcohol dependency, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, male sex,
younger age, psychotic and bipolar disorder diagnoses, having poor social support, moderate
and high perceived stress, and current tobacco smoking were factors significantly associated
with alcohol use disorder.
Conclusion: The prevalence of alcohol use disorder among patients with severe mental
disorders was found to be high. Early intervention and integrating treatment services for coexisting mental disorders and alcohol use disorder is important. The special treatment, where
it is offered for young male patients and those with the diagnosis of psychotic and bipolar
disorders, is recommended to promote the uptake of alcohol and mental health treatment
services.
