Alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among patients with psychiatric conditions admitted at Kabale regional referral hospital, Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Benja Twinomuhwezi Deparment of Public health, faculty of nursing and health sciences, Bishop Stuart University is P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Anne Tweheyo Otwine Deparment of Public health, faculty of nursing and health sciences, Bishop Stuart University is P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2117

Keywords:

Alcohol Use Disorder, Psychiatric patient, Alcohol, Kabale

Abstract

Background 

Alcohol use disorder has been a public health concern globally. Although research in this area has been conducted, most studies have been conducted in high-income countries, with less research in low-income countries. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its associated factors among patients with psychiatric conditions admitted at Kabale regional referral hospital, Southwestern Uganda.

Methodology

The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a quantitative approach that involved collecting quantitative data. The statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 25.

Results

Results from this study revealed that 150 (63.6%) were male and 86 (36.4%) were female, and most participants, 132 (55.9%), scored between 0 and 7, indicating low-risk or non-hazardous alcohol use. An additional 58 participants (24.6%) scored 8–15, placing them at increasing risk and suggesting a pattern of alcohol consumption that could lead to health problems. Twelve participants (5.1%) scored between 16 and 19, categorizing them as higher risk, which is typically associated with harmful drinking behaviors. Notably, 34 participants (14.4%) scored 20 or above, indicating a probable alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study further revealed that factors like being male (p < 0.001), being raised by a single parent (p = 0.031), and tertiary education (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with AUD. Other factors were not significantly associated.

Conclusion

The study concludes that 14.4% of mental patients had likely AUD, as determined by the AUDIT instrument.

Recommendation

Mental health facilities should regularly use validated and standardized tools like the AUDIT to screen for AUD. There is also a need for community sensitization programs by the government, focusing on the risks of early alcohol use initiation and its long-term mental health consequences.

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Published

2025-09-25

How to Cite

Twinomuhwezi , B., & Tweheyo Otwine, A. . (2025). Alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among patients with psychiatric conditions admitted at Kabale regional referral hospital, Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(9), 12. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2117

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Section

Section of Behavioral Sciences Research