The Prevalence of Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Addiction of Inpatients at Srinagarind Hospital, 2006.

Abstract

Background: The report on the world population health in the year 2001 by The World Health Organization revealed that 60% of the world population died from non-contagious diseases whereas 43% became dependent patients of chronic diseases. It is expected that in 2020, 73% of the world population will die from non-contagious diseases and 60% will have chronic diseases and cannot live on their own. Smoking and drinking alcohol have their ranks in the first 10 risk factors leading to death. From this problem, the Community Medicine service Section of Srinagarind Hospital realized the impact from smoking and drinking alcohol and wanted to investigate the prevalence and determine the number of inpatients admitted at Srinagarind Hospital who were addicted to smoking and drinking alcohol. The aim was to reduce the rate of smoking and drinking, to follow up the treatment, and to seek means to assist and provide these patients with appropriate consultation.

Objective: To study the prevalence of smoking and alcohol drinking addiction of inpatients at Srinagarind Hospital, 2006.

Design: A descriptive study

Population and Sample: 324 already and newly admitted patients in different wards of Srinagarind Hospital, who were over 15 years of age, from May 8, 2006.

Research tool: An interviewing questionnaire

Data Analysis: For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were used, namely frequency, percentage, average, and standard deviation calculated by PC computer. For qualitative data, analytical interpretation and conclusion of the content were carried out.

Results: It was found that most of the patients who had just started to smoke and drink alcohol were 15 to 24 years old. The reason for their smoking and drinking was to give it a try. From the total number of 324 patients, 43 both smoked and drank, 239 neither smoked nor drank, and the remainders either smoked or drank. Among those who smoked, it was found that 60.78% were addicted to nicotine at 10 point level. As for their attitudes towards stopping smoking and drinking, most believed that quitting would be good for their health, their personality, and the people around them.

Conclusion: This research study could be used as basic information for further studies and in the planning of campaign against smoking and alcohol addiction, especially among children and adolescents. Besides, it could be a means towards treatment services and prevention of diseases that result from smoking and drinking alcohol.