Association between smoking and alcoholism: initiation into the major human dependencies

Author(s): Castellarin, C.

Journal/Book: Rev Saude Publ. 1998; 32: Faculdade Saude Publ da USP, AV Dr Arnaldo 715, 01255 Sao Paulo, Brazil. Revista de Saude Publica. 246-254.

Abstract: Objective To establish the existence of an association between smoking and alcoholism in a general population sample and to compare two samples of alcoholics and non alcoholics matched Dy age and sex. Material and Method Health Teaching Unit Murialdo - State Health Department - RS - Brazil in a limited area of 65,000 predicted population a cross-sectional study was undertaken in which adults of 35 y.o. Or more were sampled Of this sample, the alcoholics were selected by applying the CAGE Scale. A non alcoholic random sample was compared with the alcoholic one. It was identified 129 alcoholics among 1,387 adults of 35 y.o. Or more. From the general list of adults a random sample of 129 non alcoholics were selected and matched to the alcoholics by age and sex. Both groups were compared. Data were obtained from a 19 item questionnaire. Answers to generic questions were obtained from all family members, such as: income and smoking habit. Specific data were obtained from the interviewed person of 35 y.o. Or mor-e, such as: schooling grade, occupation, diseases and respiratory symptoms, smoking habit, Peak Expiratory Flow and alcoholism. Results Of 129 alcoholics, 109 (84.5%) were male and 20 (15.5%) were female. The smoking prevalence among alcoholics (67%) was greater than among non alcoholics (43%) (p < .002). The kind of occupation distinguished both groups. Among alcoholics unemployment and elementary levels of occupation are more usual while among the abstemious intermediate and superior levels are more frequent (p < .003). The family as well as the personal income are higher among the abstemious (p < .001). There is an increased non significant number of non whites, illiterate people and family smokers among the alcoholics (p < .06). The tendency to start smoking earlier in life and to smoke more cigarettes for a longer period of time was noticed among alcoholics. Conclusions There is a statistical association between smoking and alcoholism in the sample studied. Alcoholism in this sample is more prevalent among people who fulfil the following conditions: smokers, low income, rudimentary cultural and professional levels.

Note: Article Chaieb JA, Rua Dona Laura 866, BR-90430000 Porto Alegre, RS, BRAZIL

Keyword(s): smoking; alcoholism; CIGARETTE-SMOKING; DRINKING

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