Harmful Alcohol Use Among Patients with Tuberculosis in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol consumption among patients with tuberculosis is on the rise. There is evidence that alcohol consumption negatively affects treatment outcomes for these populations. Due to this, a substantial number of people relapse, withdraw from treatment, or even die as a result of their alcohol addiction. Despite this, little research has been conducted on the factors associated with the harmful use of alcohol by this group of people in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of harmful alcohol use among patients with tuberculosis in the Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at healthcare facilities. Four hundred and fifteen participants aged 18 and older were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, social support, perceptions of the stigma associated with tuberculosis, and depression were collected using structured and validated instruments. Measurement of harmful alcohol consumption was conducted using the AUDIT.

Results

 The prevalence of harmful alcohol use among tuberculosis patients was 20% (95% CI; 16.1–24.2%). There is a significant correlation between medical comorbidity (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.29–4.62), disease duration (≥12 months) (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.03–3.04), and being male (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.17–3.77) with harmful alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that alcohol consumption was high among tuberculosis patients. The presence of comorbidities, being male, and having a long-term illness were significant predictors of harmful alcohol consumption. It is imperative to screen patients who have suffered from chronic tuberculosis for an extended period of time. It is also pertinent to screen patients with comorbid medical conditions for alcohol abuse. Screening for alcohol abuse at an early stage can prevent poor treatment outcomes as well as the effects of comorbid medical conditions and harmful use of alcohol.

Keywords:

• harmful alcohol use
• tuberculosis patients
• Ethiopia
• prevalence
• tuberculosis
• alcohol use

Abbreviations

AUDIT, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; DALYs, Disability Adjusted Life Years; PHQ-9, nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire; TB, Tuberculosis.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to thank all of the staff of the public health institutions in the Gedeo region who provided information. We sincerely thank Dilla University, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research and Dissemination Office for funding this study. All authors of the article wish to acknowledge Dilla University’s Research Directorate office for its support. In addition, we are grateful to the data collectors, study participants, and the Gedeo Zone Health Department.

Author Contributions

Kalkidan Yohannes and Hirbaye Mokona conceived the study and were part of the whole study process. Getinet Ayano, Kussie Koirita, and Henok Mulatu participated in the study’s design, reviewed all versions, and made corrections. Kalkidan Yohannes has access to raw data, and she is responsible for it. All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research work was funded by Dilla University.