Alcohol-related disorders in Beijing, China: prevalence, socio-demographic correlates, and unmet need for treatment.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol use, episodic heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence and their socio-demographic correlates in Beijing, China. methods: A total of 5,926 subjects were randomly selected in Beijing and interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 1.0). Data on basic socio-demographic and current major medical conditions were also collected.


RESULTS
The 12-month prevalence of alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking were 32.5 and 13.8%, respectively. The 12-month and lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence were 1.7 and 4.3%, respectively. Age above 24 years, male sex, being married and employed, low education level (junior high school, primary school or illiterate), rural residence, and having comorbid psychiatric disorders were all significantly associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol-related disorders. Only 2.4% of the subjects with alcohol dependence were receiving treatment, and a mere 1.4% had sought treatment from mental health professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
Nationwide surveys are urgently needed to further explore the prevalence of alcohol-related disorders in China.
Xiang
Yu-Tao
YT
The Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. xyutly@cuhk.edu.hk
Ma
Xin
X
Lu
Jin-Yan
JY
Cai
Zhuo-Ji
ZJ
Li
Shu-Ran
SR
Xiang
Ying-Qiang
YQ
Guo
Hong-Li
HL
Hou
Ye-Zhi
YZ
Li
Zhen-Bo
ZB
Li
Zhan-Jiang
ZJ
Tao
Yu-Fen
YF
Dang
Wei-Min
WM
Wu
Xiao-Mei
XM
Deng
Jing
J
Lai
Kelly Y C
KY
Ungvari
Gabor S
GS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D055815:Young Adult