The results of the study of the level of alcohol consumption and some factors affecting it among patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance worldwide and a major risk factor for disease in underdeveloped and developing countries. Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that leads to the development of dependence and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs due to long-term exposure to the brain. Internationally, there are many studies related to the use of drugs and psychoactive substances by those treating schizophrenia, but the fact that there is no research on this topic in our country is the basis of our research. Aim: To study the level of tobacco use and some factors influencing it among patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a descriptive survey model, random sampling method, and a questionnaire survey from March 2023 to August 2023 based on outpatient clinics and clinics of the National Health Service. Ethical permission to conduct research was discussed and ethical permission was obtained on 03/02/2023 at the meeting of the Research Ethics Control Committee of on MNUMS February 17, 2023, and the permission was obtained through the consent form identified by the therapists and attached to the research card. Research indicators were graphically represented and tabulated using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel programs, summary and detailed statistical processing was performed using STATA 14 software. Results: Among schizophrenic patients, 84% were at low-risk drinking levels, 8% were at heavy or hazardous drinking levels, 4% were at heavy drinking or harmful levels, and 4% were alcohol dependent. 88% of patients with alcohol use had tobacco use, indicating a co-occurring diagnosis. When judging how and with whom alcohol was consumed, 92% answered that they were with someone during the festival, which means that they have appropriate and safe consumption of alcohol. Among the patients who use alcohol, they do not mix alcoholic beverages and mainly use industrial white alcohol. Conclusions: Alcohol use rates among schizophrenic patients are at low-risk levels. Factors such as gender, education, tobacco use, and father’s tobacco use influence alcohol consumption among schizophrenic patients.