Alcohol addiction and associated factors in adults in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, 2006: the OBEDIARP Project

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and severity of alcohol addiction and to identify associated factors. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in 2006. Prevalence estimates were based on AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated, and the outcome variable was classified in two levels: (1) scores = 0-7; and (2) scores = 8-40. Overall prevalence of alcohol addiction was 20.18% (43.47% in men and 10.18% in women). In the final model, the following variables were associated with alcohol addiction: gender, age, schooling, marital and work status, smoking, religion, and self-rated health. Prevalence of alcohol addiction was high, especially among men. The results should contribute to the adoption of health promotion and prevention strategies, considering the consequences of alcohol addiction.