Association between alcoholic beverages consumption and sociodemographic conditions in people with leprosy

Abstract

The objective of this article aimed was investigate the association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and sociodemographic conditions of people with leprosy. It is a cross-sectional study, in which 347 people were addressed as people with leprosy, reported by Brazilian Health Information System, between 2001 and 2014, in a city in Northeast of Brazil, classified as hyperendemic. 290 other people, above 15 years old, were included in the research. After answering all the instruments of study, the exclusion criteria was having some cognitive deficit. The data were collected by a form with questions about sociodemographic conditions, elaborated by the researchers, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Intention Test (AUDIT). The participants were classified as low-risk and risk consumers. The low-risk consumers (n=260) were 60 years old (and older) men, married, up to high-school educated, with individual income up to $244,44. Among the risk consumers (n=60), there was a prevalence of 15-39 years old women, married, up to high-school educated, with individual income up to $244,44. The gender and age range was statistically significant with alcohol consumption (p-valor=0,012). Knowing the consumption risk and its relation to sociodemographic conditions, the implementation of preventive actions and public policies should be considered, since the consumption of alcoholic beverages deserves attention, because it affects treatment and self-care.