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KMID : 0915820090100020141
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Journal of Korean Alcohol Science
2009 Volume.10 No. 2 p.141 ~ p.153
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The Association between Drinking Behavior and Mental Health in an Urban Community
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Lee Bo-Hye
Kim Jin-Hee
Choi Man-Kyu
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study investigates the association between alcohol consumption behavior and mental health status, which is represented by subjective happiness, perceived stress and depression of residents in the Gangnam region of Seoul.
Methods: Data was collected from a questionnaire of 460 residents in a single urban apartment complex during 6 days in January 2009. Items included questions on alcohol consumption behavior, the 4-item CAGE screening test for alcohol dependency and self-reported happiness, stress and depression.
Results: The overall alcohol consumption rate is 84.7%, which is higher than the national average of 74.2%. Among the usual drinkers, 43.3% drink 2~4 times per month, while 8% drinks more frequently, i.e. 4 times per week and almost every day. The prevalence of drinkers that show alcohol dependence according to the CAGE scale was 15.5%, slightly lower than the national average, however still much higher than that in other countries. Regarding mental health status, 30% of the respondents perceived stress, which is slightly higher than national average, the main causes rising from work, financial and family issues. Prevalence of subjective depression was 32.2%, which is 12.5% higher than national average. Logistic regression results showed residents with higher levels of stress had higher levels of alcohol dependency.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that stress is a major contributing factor in risky drinking patterns among the residents in this study. Drinking functions a measure of coping with stress and focusing on reducing stress levels may be an important strategy for developing healthy drinking behavior in this community.
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KEYWORD
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drinking behavior, alcohol consumption, mental health, community
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