What is the impact of alcohol dependence on nutritional status of men living in Gesima village, Nyamira county, Kenya?

Abstract

Background: Alcoholism is a disease that is gradual and often can cause mortality and disability. Alcoholics usually suffer from Protein Energy Malnutrition but the most common deficiencies are for vitamins, particularly thiamine, pyridoxine, folate, and vitamin A, due to dietary deficiency, damaged intestinal absorption, impaired nutrient utilization and storage, increased metabolism, and a high rate of nutrient loss. The study goal was to investigate adequacy of nutrients and factors influencing nutritional status and level of alcohol dependence among men living in Gesima village. Methods: This was a cross sectional study with 126 households systematic randomly sampled. 254 consenting men aged16-45 years old were recruited into the study. Pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to test for alcohol dependence levels. Anthropometric measurements were also determined. Food frequency questionnaire was used to ascertain the dietary intake of the respondents. Statistical techniques including the chi-square, t-test and logistic regression were employed in the analysis. All the analysis was done using SPSS V.21. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the study subjects, 118(46.5%) had primary level of education and 210(82.7%) were in informal employment. Their mean age (years) was 29.04(SD 6.7). Slightly more than half 134(52.8%) had a monthly household income of between Kshs 1000-5000. Based on BMI, 210 (82.7%) of the respondents were normal weight for nutrition status. Only 43(17%) were hazardous drinkers. zinc and folate intake were significantly below EAR (EAR 8.5mg for 16-18 years old and 9.4 for 19-45 years old for zinc and 330µg for 16-19 years old and 320µg for 19-45 years old for folate) (p<0.05). Alcohol dependence was a significant predictor of nutritional status (BMI) while marital status was a significant predictor of alcohol dependence (p<0.001) where by the married were more alcohol dependent than the single, separated or widowed. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that alcohol dependence significantly affects nutritional status and marital status significantly influences the level of alcohol dependence whereby the married are more alcohol dependent than the single, separated or widowed and alcohol consumption in turn inversely affects nutritional status.