Predictors of Heavy episodic drinking among Non-Communicable Disease Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background:
Heavy episodic drinking increases a substantial risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their complications, including cardiovascular issues, various cancers, liver cirrhosis, and chronic pancreatitis. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with increased alcohol consumption in specific global regions. Some international studies have explored the complex relationship between COVID-19, NCDs, and excessive episodic drinking, but limited research has been conducted in developing nations. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of heavy episodic drinking among patients with NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in a developing-country context by taking Ethiopia as a study area. Our research focuses on developing nations while also making comparisons with developed nations.

Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 310 randomly selected NCD follow-up patients at Arba Minch General Hospital, Chronic Care Unit. The data collection has been done utilizing the World Health Organization's STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) tool from March 1 to April 30, 2022. Data analysis, including descriptive and analytical statistics, was performed using SPSS v28. Confounding variables were identified and controlled for, ensuring result accuracy. Results were presented through mean, standard deviation, proportions, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:
The overall prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was 11.6% (95% CI 8.5% - 11.7%), with males (16.3%) reporting higher rates than females (7.4%). Lifetime alcohol consumption prevalence was 51.6% (95% CI 46.06% - 57.12%), with 71.4% of males and 33.7% of females reporting ever consuming alcohol. Recent alcohol consumption within the past 12 months and past 30 days was 33.5% (95% CI 28.5% - 39%) and 28.4% (95% CI 23.7% - 33.7%), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that males were 6.47 times more likely to be heavy alcohol consumers than females (AOR 6.47, 95% CI 2.563 to 16.333). Other predictors included a history of raised cholesterol (AOR 5.451, 95% CI 1.268 to 23.426), comorbidities (AOR 3.733, 95% CI 1.300 to 10.725), age (AOR 0.935, 95% CI 0.901 to 0.970), and COVID-19 related anxiety (AOR 1.574, 95% CI 1.358 to 1.825).

Conclusion:
This study enhances our understanding of heavy episodic drinking amidst NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nuanced insights into prevalence, sociodemographic factors, behavioral traits, disease outcomes, and predictors provide a basis for tailored public health strategies to address heavy episodic drinking's impact on individuals with chronic health conditions during this global health crisis. The findings contribute to existing literature and advocate for a holistic and personalized approach in mitigating heavy episodic drinking among individuals with NCDs during a public health emergency.