Prevalence of alcohol dependence in a town in Nepal as assessed by the CAGE questionnaire

Abstract

Background: In spite of a perception that alcohol use is rampant in Nepal, there has been no survey to assess the extent of alcohol dependence in the country. Aims: (i) To assess prevalence of alcohol dependence in the community of Dharan and (ii) to correlate this with various socio-demographic characteristics. Design: The CAGE questionnaire was administered to all adult individuals in houses selected randomly in the township of Dharan. Findings: Among 2344 adults assessed, the prevalence of alcohol dependence was found to be 25.8%. The prevalence of alcohol dependence increased with age to peak in the age group 45-54 years and was more than twice as common in men as in women. Also, alcohol dependence was more common among those with lower level of education, widowers and divorcees and those belonging to the Matwali community. The extent of dependence was influenced by socio-cultural sanctions. Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol dependence is too high for comfort in Dharan, a town in eastern Nepal. There is an urgent need to formulate a policy for substance abuse in the country taking into account the findings of this study.