[Influence of the family history of alcohol consumption in men and women].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk for alcohol abuse among individuals with a positive family history of alcohol abuse (FH+).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population was a sample (n = 8,890) drawn from a 1988 national survey on addictions in Mexico City's urban population. Data analysis consisted of frequency and association measures, using family history of alcohol abuse as the exposure factor.

RESULTS

Prevalence of heavy drinking was 13.7% for males and 0.6% for females. Alcohol dependence syndrome was found in 9.9% of males and 0.6% of females. Men with HF+ were twice more likely to develop dependence syndrome than HF- males. The odds ratio for women was 1.27.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential patterns by gender were found for familial transmission of alcohol abuse; parental alcohol intake is a main risk factor for developing alcohol dependence syndrome.