High mortality, violence and crime in alcohol dependents: 5 years after seeking treatment in a Brazilian underprivileged suburban community.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the results of alcohol-related consequences in an underprivileged area of São Paulo.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety one adult patients who sought alcohol treatment in 2002 were reassessed in 2007 regarding alcohol use and involvement with crime. The interview consisted of demographic questions and questionnaires assessing alcohol dependence and pattern of alcohol use. Risk and protective factors and involvement with crime were further explored. RESULTS High mortality rate (16.9%, n = 41) was found in this sample and 97.4% were identified as being severe alcohol dependents. The sample consisted of a homogeneous group, average age of 42, 81.9% male, 57.5% black, 52.2% unemployed and 100% of low socioeconomic status. Individuals ageing 35 or younger, not engaged in religious activities and with intense alcohol consumption in the last month had 2.7 times more chance on committing crimes (95% CI = [1.22; 5.93] p = 0.014). Subjects who consumed alcohol in the last month also had a 4.1 greater chance of becoming involved in crime (95% CI = [1.2; 14.24] p = 0.024).


CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol dependence within an underprivileged community was associated with high rates of crime and mortality. Religious affiliation was negatively associated with delinquent behavior.
Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.
Jairo Valentim
JV
Silva
Viviane de
Vd
Castro
Ronaldo
R
Laranjeira
Neliana Buzi
NB
Figlie
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000208:ethnology / Q000401:mortality*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003415:Crime / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012067:Religion; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013383:Suburban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014754:Violence / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*