Alcohol use-related problems among a rural Indian population of West Bengal: An application of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Abstract

Aims: To examine alcohol use and related problems among a rural subset of the Indian population. Methods: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used as part of Health and Demographic Surveillance of 36,611 individuals aged ≥ 18 years. From this survey data on 3671 current alcohol users were analysed using bivariate and multivariate ordered logit regression. Results: Over 19% of males and 2.4% of females were current alcohol users. Mean ethanol consumption on a typical drinking day among males was estimated to be higher (96.3 gm) than females (56.5 gm). Mean AUDIT score was 11 among current alcohol users. AUDIT showed in the ordered logit regression estimated alcohol use-related problems to be low among women, Scheduled Tribes and unmarried people, whereas alcohol use-related problems registered high among Muslims. Conclusion: This rural population appears to be in need of an effective intervention program, perhaps targeting men and the household, aimed at reducing the level of alcohol use and related problems.