Association between Alcohol Consumption and Smoking to Predisposing Conditions: Health Fair Study in Dominica

Authors

  • Moheem Masumali Halari All Saints University School of Medicine, Hillsborough Street, P.o.box 1679, Roseau, Dominica
  • Chidambra Dhariwal Halari All Saints University School of Medicine, Hillsborough Street, P.o.box 1679, Roseau, Dominica
  • Nancy Foluke Olumide All Saints University School of Medicine, Hillsborough Street, P.o.box 1679, Roseau, Dominica
  • David Adeiza Otohinoyi All Saints University School of Medicine, Hillsborough Street, P.o.box 1679, Roseau, Dominica
  • Terrence Marcelle All Saints University, College of Medicine, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Yusuf Joshua All Saints University, College of Medicine, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Keywords:

Smoking, Alcohol, Asthma, Tuberculosis, Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Failure, Depression, Psychological Instability, Cancer, Illicit Drug Use, Abuse, Social History, Predisposing Conditions, DALYs, Health Fair, All Saints

Abstract

Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking seems to be an accepted social practice in every community. Their consequence poses a rising concern on the health and functionality of young individuals. Besides being identified as potential risk factors for various medical conditions, alcohol intoxication and cigarette smoking have major effects on mental health of individuals including risky health behaviors such as suicide, violence, assault etc. Medical conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, kidney failure, depression and cancer have been known to be prevalent among individuals attending a health fair in Dominica. The aim of this study is to associate the consumption of alcohol and cigarette smoking to the above conditions. A health fair was conducted in April 2016 at All Saints University School of Medicine with 260 individuals in attendance. Using questionnaires, data on various variables such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, past medical history that includes history of asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, kidney failure, depression, cancer, history of heart linked disorders, family history of heart linked disorders and illicit drug consumption was obtained. These were analyzed alongside the variables of smoking and alcohol consumption.

A total of 129 (53.97%) and 29 (12.13%) admitted to alcohol and smoking respectively. Among these, 38.46% consumed only alcohol, while 0.38% participated only in smoking. 21.88% of individuals that consumed alcohol, also attested to the use of cigarette.

12.5% of alcohol consumers and 37.93% smokers confirmed the use of illicit drug as well. 30.23% of alcohol consumers and 20.69% of cigarette smokers were positive for the history of predisposing illness. There was higher prevalence seen among conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and depression but less (though present) with tuberculosis, kidney failure and cancer. It was also observed that, there was early onset of these habits which may suggest a low socioeconomic standard among residents.

This study shows the necessity to implement appropriate measures in early curbing of these dangerous habits especially among teenagers in the society. This can be accomplished by the joint effort of the government, school administrations, health officials and parents to ensure that these habits are strongly discouraged. Creation of awareness on the consequences of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, not only on their health but also as it affects the society as a whole, can be one of the ways this can be accomplished. Also, appropriate age limits for consumption of alcohol should be enforced in every alcohol selling store. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking should be strictly prohibited in schools, with the continuous awareness of the consequences being put in place. 

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Published

2016-06-24

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Halari, M. M., Halari, C. D., Olumide, N. F., Otohinoyi, D. A., Marcelle, T., & Joshua, Y. (2016). Association between Alcohol Consumption and Smoking to Predisposing Conditions: Health Fair Study in Dominica. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 21(1), 29–40. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/1790

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