ALCOHOL USE AMONGST PSYCHIATRIC IN-PATIENTS IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL IN ETHIOPIA

The purpose of this study was to explore alcohol use among psychiatric in-patients in a mental hospital in Ethiopia. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected through face to face structured interviews and a document analysis checklist. A researcher-modified interview-version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire was used to measure alcohol use. The study population comprised of 70 psychiatric in-patients. Data analysis showed that being male, living in an urban area, being diagnosed with schizophrenia, and having parents who drink alcohol had a statistical significant association with the alcohol use of the respondents. Respondents reported that it was difficult to abstain or stop using alcohol. They also felt discriminated against when forbidden by relatives to drink. It was
alarming to find that thioridazine, which has been discontinued in most countries for the treatment of psychosis, was still being prescribed in Ethiopia. The study highlighted the need for health education to strengthen patients’ perceptions about the negative consequences of alcohol use. Care should be taken when prescribing psychotropic drugs such as thioridazine to psychiatric in-patients because of possible cardiotoxic effects.