• Jeby Jose Olickal, Ramya Selvaraj, Ganesh Kumar Saya, and Palanivel Chinnakali.
• Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
• Fam Pract. 2022 Mar 24; 39 (2): 316-322.

BackgroundThere is limited published literature on the impact of alcohol use among alcohol dependents and their family members.ObjectivesTo find the factors associated with alcohol use and explore the impact of alcohol use on alcohol dependents and their family members.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 316 men aged above 18 years, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among alcohol dependents and their family members. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.2 (15.1) years, and 276 of them (87.3%) were educated. The prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 32.8-43.4]. Older age [adjusted prevalence (APR) = 2.23 (95% CI = 1.17-4.27)], no formal education [APR = 1.20 (95% CI = 1.20-1.20)], rural residence [APR = 1.05 (95% CI = 1.05-1.05)], self-reported comorbidities [APR = 1.21 (95% CI = 1.21-1.21)], tobacco use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.98-2.97)] and individuals having a family history of alcohol use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.73-3.37)] were the factors associated with alcohol use. The family members of alcohol users suffer mainly mental, emotional and physical abuse. Abusive language used by the alcoholic father and family break-ups have an influence on children and in their schooling.ConclusionsPrevalence of alcohol use in a low alcohol taxed region in India was high. The family members of alcohol users mainly suffer mental, emotional and physical abuse.© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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