[A study on drinking and problem drinking in tuberculosis patients].

Drinking and problem drinking were studied in 43 tuberculosis patients with the following results. The results of the KAST (Kurihama Alcoholism Screening Test) revealed that 10% of the patients were severe problem drinkers (diagnosed as alcohol dependent syndrome), 7% of the patients had drinking problems and 17% were potential problem drinkers. These percentages are higher than those of the general adult population. In the cases having higher KAST scores, the time between the onset of subjective symptoms and the first medical examination were long, but the time between the first medical examination and diagnosed tuberculosis was short. Severe tuberculosis patients showed higher KAST scores. It was assumed that tuberculosis patients who drink too heavily or are problem drinkers, were apt to put off consulting a physician, and as a result, the condition of tuberculosis would be more severe when they finally did see a physician. In the field of tuberculosis prevention and medical treatment, professionals should pay more attention to drinking and alcoholism. The need to stay sober is important in both preventing relapses and supporting recovery from tuberculosis.