EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ALCOHOL INTOXICATIONS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN VARNA REGION FOR 2015-2017 AND STUDY OF PARENT BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Purpose: To research the frequency of acute alcohol intoxications among young people of age 10-18 in Varna region within the time frame 2015-2017 and to examine the correspondent parent behavior. Material/Methods: A total of 159 adolescents were examined. All of them were registered patients of the Clinic for Intensive Treatment of Acute Intoxications and Toxicoallergies at the Naval Hospital – Varna. Alcohol dependence was studied by means of CAGE test. The evaluation of the parent behavior was done in accordance with Robert's methodology and involved 54 parents. Results: It was demonstrated that the initial alcohol consumption age is very low, approximately 10-11. Acute alcohol intoxications among young people vary from year to year, but such cases were estimated to represent 12-19% of all registered alcohol intoxications in the region studied. Most abused beverage types are spirits and beer; wine is less preferred. The analysis of the parent behavior shows a definite underestimation of the problem in both sociological consequences and health risks directions.