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Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (alcohol abuse and dependence) are characterized by maladaptive patterns of alcohol consumption manifested by symptoms leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Further, alcohol use disorders are associated with many physical, mental and behavioral disorders and consequences. The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in Korea is higher than in other countries in Asia and comparable to western countries. Here we present the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use disorders and high-risk drinking determined by analyzing the results of the Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area (KEKA) survey and The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We found that the prevalence rates of alcohol use disorders and high-risk drinking are substantially high. The risks of alcohol use disorders and high-risk drinking are higher in middle-aged men and young women. We also found that the treatment prevalence of alcohol use disorders and high-risk drinking is relatively low. In conclusion, in a clinical setting, assessment of alcohol use disorders is highly recommended. Further, we suggest that a public awareness campaign is needed to encourage the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Figures and Tables
Table 1
Prevalence and estimated number of patients of 12-month alcohol use disorders
Adapted from Seoul National University College of Medicine. Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area (KEKA) survey. 2011 [11].
Table 2
Prevalence of 12-month alcohol use disorders and sociodemographic characteristics
SE, standard error.
Adapted from Seoul National University College of Medicine. Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area (KEKA) survey. 2011 [11].
Table 3
Prevalence of 12-month alcohol use disorders, 2001, 2006, 2011.
Adapted from Seoul National University College of Medicine. Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area (KEKA) survey. 2011 [11].
Table 4
Prevalence of high-risk drinking and sociodemographic characteristics
Adapted from Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1). 2010 [13].
Table 5
Adjusted odds ratios of high-risk drinking
Adjusted for all sociodemographic variables.
Adapted from Lee HK. The Prevalence and Correlates of high-risk drinking in Korean Adults: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Proceedings of the Annual Spring Meeting on Korean Academy of Addiction Psychiatry 2012 [14].
Table 7
Prevalence of treatment utilization
Adapted from Seoul National University College of Medicine. Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area (KEKA) survey. 2011 [11].
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