Citation

Claassen JN. S. Afr. Med. J. 1999; 89(9): 976-979.

Affiliation

Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, South African Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10554635

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Testing the benefits of the CAGE questionnaire (a four-item test with questions on Cutting down, Annoyance at criticism, Guilty feelings and use of Eye-openers) in screening for possible alcoholism in rural underserviced South Africa. DESIGN: The CAGE questionnaire and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual i.v. diagnostic criteria for substance abuse and dependence were used to screen a representative sample (N = 96) of a rural community in the North West province of South Africa. SETTING: The closed community of Ammerville situated at Fraserburg, approximately 500 km from Cape Town. SUBJECTS: Adults above the age of 18 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol dependence in this community was 56%. The 'positive' CAGE (two or more affirmative replies) showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 78% for alcohol dependence. This compared favourably with similar screening results in other clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of alcohol dependence (56%) in this community, and the possibility of comparable results in many similar rural South African communities, reflect a startling reality that should be addressed. Use of the CAGE by other than traditional sources is recommended and emphasised. Treatment modalities for alcohol dependence and abuse in rural areas should be developed.

Language: en