Prevalence and Associated Factors of Alcohol Use Disorders among the Municipal Population of Khon Kaen province

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and related factors among the municipal population of Khon Kaen province. Two-stage sampling was employed to select a sample of 695 subjects within the age range of 15-60 years. Data were obtained by means of an interview using a structured questionnaire, which included questions about factors related to mental health problems, and a screening test for harmful drinking and alcohol dependence in Thai communities. Positive results from the screening test were confirmed by psychiatrists using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Thai version 5.0.0 (M.I.N.I. 5.0.0 (Thai version)). The prevalence of alcohol use disorders was found as 6.6% (95%CI=2.5-10.7). The prevalence among men more than women as 9.4:1 which were 23.4% (95%CI=11.4-35.4) and 2.5% (95%CI=-0.3-5.3) respectively. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly increase risk of alcohol use disorders in sample who were men (OR adj =12.48, 95%CI=4.11-37.92), single or separated or widow or divorce (OR adj =3.02, 95%CI=1.77-5.14), and those who depended mainly on themselves in coping problems (OR adj =2.40, 95%CI=1.18-4.87). Conclusion that prevalence of alcohol use disorders in Khon Kaen municipal areas was 6.6% which slightly lower than the result from the national mental health survey in 2008. Psychiatric teams should provide increased support for men, and persons who are single or separated or widow or divorce, as well as those who cope with problems by themselves. Keyword: alcohol use disorders, prevalence, associated factors