The frequency of alcohol consumption and the relationship between alcohol dependence and depression among a group of men

Objective: To determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and dependence and the relationship between alcohol dependence and depression. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional research conducted among men aged 30 years and over residing in a town of Eskisehir (Kaymaz) between 11 Jan., 2010 and 25 Feb., 2010. Of a total of 946 students studying in the school 816(86.3%) constituted the study group. In this study, of a total of 367 men who accepted to participate in the study 273 (64.4%) were enrolled in this study. The CAGE test as a screening test in determining alcohol dependence and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression screening test were used. The data was evaluated by Ki-square (x(2)) test. For statistical significance p <0.05 level was accepted. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 55.22 +/- 12.39 (range=30-87). Overall, the prevalence of depression was 22.7%. According to the test CAGE, the prevalence of suspected alcohol abuse among alcohol consumers was 30.6%. In this study, the frequency of alcohol consumption was found to be 35.9%. The frequency of alcohol consumption was higher in those whose age was 60 and over (p<0.001), in those whose education level was secondary school and above (p<0.001), in those with a job (p<0.01) and in those who were married (p<0.05). Conclusion: The co-morbidity between alcohol use and depression may be considered and understanding of these relationships should be helpful to increase the chances of treatment success.