[An epidemiologic study on the prevalence of alcohol consumption in a rural area of Asturias (council of Somiedo)].

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of alcoholism in a rural area of Asturias and the usefulness of others clinical and analytical parameters for a rapid detection of its related pathology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study on a sample of 198 persons, divided into two groups (Group I: Heavy-drinkers and Group II: Moderate and nondrinkers), according with alcohol daily intake. The limit for the classification was the consumption of 80 or more grams of ethanol/day in men, and 60 g/day or more in women. Data about physical findings and blood biochemistry were collected and compared into the two groups.

RESULTS

The prevalence of alcoholism in group I, was of 16.5% and the mean age of 54.3 +/- 11.4 years with increased proportion of males over females with a ratio of 7.25/1. The main analytical parameters useful as indicators of heavy alcohol consumption were an increase of AST, ALT, GGT, Total Cholesterol, Uric acid and gammaglobulin levels. We found a significative relation between legal problems and alcohol consumption (p < 0.005) as well as an increased prevalence of chronic obstructive lung diseases (p < 0.005). Digestive diseases as a whole, were most frequently associated with heavy alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

This paper confirms the finding of a increased alcohol consumption in this mainly agricultural area of Asturias (Spain) in 16.5% and also confirms the usefulness of the use of simple clinical and analytical parameters for its detection in order to permit an earlier diagnostic and better use of preventive measures.