Alcohol dependence: Does the composition of the available beverages promote it?

Abstract

Affordability and availability of alcohol are factors that have been associated with alcohol dependence. Ethanol content in the alcoholic beverages is an im- portant determinant in alcohol dependence. Quality control of alcoholic beverages available in the market is important in safeguarding the health of alcohol consumers. Few studies in Kenya have determined the chemical composition of alcohol used by the study participants. Objective: To determine the chemical composition of alcoholic beverages used by a group of alcohol dependent study participants. Design: The study was a clinical trial with pre and post measure- ments. Method: The CIDI and WHO-ASSIST were administered to 188 alcohol-dependent persons at intake and after six months. A researcher-designed socio demographic questionnaire was also adminis- tered at intake. Alcohol beverages were randomly collected from the location of the study area and their chemical composition analyzed using gas chromatog- raphy. Results: The mean AUDIT score of the par- ticipant was 28.6 for male and 26.6 for females. Three of the alcohol samples collected was illicit brews col- lected while 11 were licit. Four out of the eleven licit brews had ethanol levels that did not complied with the set government standards. Conclusion: Illicit brews with high ethanol content are available in the Kenyan market, while some of the manufacturers of the licit brew do not comply with government set content recommendations.