Prevalence of alcohol use disorder and depression in patients attending comprehensive care Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are prevalent in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), (PLHWA), and is associated with adverse health effects. In sub-Sahara Africa, little is known about AUDs among people attending HIV services. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among PLHWA who attended HIV services at the Comprehensive Care Centre, KNH in September and October 2014. The World Health Organization‘s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool (AUDIT) was used to measure probable hazardous, harmful and dependent use of alcohol (‗alcohol use disorders‘), and the BDI to measure the intensity, severity and depth of depression in respondents with psychiatric diagnosis. Statistical Analysis Associations between AUDs and other variables were explored using logistic regression analysis. All variables associated with AUDs with a p value <0.05 were included in the final multivariable model. Results The overall prevalence of AUDs was 14%, with hazardous use and harmful use 5.5% and alcohol dependence accounting for 8.5%, respectively. Alcohol abuse was associated with severity of depression (p=0.024). Male gender, employment status and income level had statistically significant associations with alcohol abuse. On bivariate analysis, we found that age, marital status, education, housing, HIV testing site, test results disclosure method and post-test care did not have statistically significant associations with alcohol abuse. AUDs were associated with male gender (OR=10, 95% CI of OR [3.6 – 28.3], p<0.0001) and severity of depression (OR=5.5, 95% CI of OR [2.1 – 14.3], p<0.0001). Conclusion These results indicate that there is a significant burden of AUDs and depressive disorders among HIV-infected individuals attending the specialized CCC. The study indicated that men were more vulnerable to AUDs and need special services to address the problem. The high prevalence of AUDs detected in our study highlights the need to integrate delivery of effective methods in which standardized assessment and treatment practices may be adapted to better address alcohol use disorders in CCC, patients.