Alcohol use among patient with Tuberculosis:  Findings from Andaman and Nicobar Islands,  India

Sellappan Senthil; Kanaga Govindarajan

Sellappan Senthil Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Cauvery College for Women, affiliated to Bharathi dasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Kanaga Govindarajan Professor and Dean, Department of Social Work, Cauvery College for Women, affiliated to Bharathi dasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Alcohol dependence, Substance Use, Social Work

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a global issue with diverse cultural, social, and economic implications. It affects individuals and communities in multifaceted ways, ranging from social behaviors to health outcomes. There is a paucity of information on the association between alcohol use and tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use among TB patients in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among TB patients to collect information on demographics, education, occupation, type of TB, and smoking status. Alcohol use was assessed using the WHO-recommended Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with alcohol use among TB patients.
Results: Out of 274 TB patients, 17% (46/274) were identified as alcohol users. A higher proportion of working patients reported alcohol use compared to non-working patients. Alcohol use was significantly higher in those employed in the organized sector (OR = 13.4; 95% CI: 3.00–59.86; p < 0.01) and unorganized sector (OR = 10.6; 95% CI: 2.43–46.23; p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol use was 2.2 times more common among TB patients with depression compared to those without (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.06–4.8; p < 0.05). Additionally, alcohol use was more prevalent among smokers than non-smokers (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.21–7.34; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence of alcohol use among TB patients in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The key findings indicate that alcohol users often exhibit dual habits of smoking and alcohol consumption, along with dual burdens of TB and depression. There is a clear need for targeted intervention strategies addressing alcohol use among TB patients to improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

How to cite this article:
Senthil S, Govindarajan K. Alcohol use among
patient with tuberculosis: Findings from
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Chettinad
Health City Med J. 2025;14(2):3-9.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202517

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