A Study of the Factors Influencing Alcohol Use Disorder in Elders

재가노인의 알코올 사용장애에 영향을 미치는 요인

  • Received : 2008.06.18
  • Accepted : 2008.09.20
  • Published : 2008.09.30

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to analyze the factors that influence alcohol use disorder in elders in KyongBuk province. The results of the study will provide basic information for the development of nursing interventions to promote proper alcohol use in elders. Methods: The subjects were 626 elderly individuals. Alcohol use disorder was defined as a score of more than 15 point on the AUDIT-K(Korean version of Alcohol Use Identification Test). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, ANOVA and logistic regression were utilized to analyze the data. Results: Overall incidence of alcohol use disorder level; normal 73.2%, problem drinking 7.5% and alcohol use disorder 19.3%. Significant factors affecting alcohol use disorder were sex (OR=6.897), religious belief (OR=1.836), smoking (OR=2.948), liver disease (OR=4.753) and depression (OR=1.779). Conclusion: Community health care nurses perform a crucial function in the screening of elderly alcoholics. Early detection and treatment of depression in elders may help to prevent alcoholism.

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