Soryacho Asar Ani Hacher Amcho Shodh-2
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Background
In low and middle income countries (LMIC), Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) account for high levels of disability; making it one of the largest avoidable risk factors for non-communicable diseases. In India, there are disproportionately high rates of AUDs and alcohol-attributable mortality relative to the volume of alcohol consumed per capita. Despite the magnitude of the problem, there is no research evidence on the long term outcomes of AUDs in India; and AUDs remain a low priority on the health policy agenda. Through this study we endeavour to understand the evolution of drinking patterns and the long term physical, psychological and social outcomes of AUDs in India.
Aim
To describe the natural history and impact of AUDs in a representative sample of adult men in India.
Methods
Our study will be designed as a retrospective (historical) cohort study. In 2006, baseline data was collected in SAAHAS, a cross sectional survey of alcohol use in rural and urban centres in North Goa, India. The exposure groups for our study will be hazardous drinkers, casual drinkers and abstainers at recruitment. Our cohort will be made up of all male participants who were screened at baseline. This includes abstainers, casual drinkers and hazardous drinkers. Participants will be administered a structured interview designed to achieve the study objectives
Outcome
This will be the first community based longitudinal study of natural history and outcomes in AUDs in India. The results of this study will help to guide health policy with regards to AUDs in India and also inform future research in this field.
