TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Alcohol use among conflict-affected persons in Ukraine: risk factors, coping and access to mental health services
JO  - European journal of public health
A1  - Ramachandran, Anu
A1  - Makhashvili, Nino
A1  - Javakhishvili, Jana
A1  - Karachevskyy, Andriy
A1  - Kharchenko, Natalia
A1  - Shpiker, Marina
A1  - Ezard, Nadine
A1  - Fuhr, Daniela C.
A1  - Roberts, Bayard
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - BACKGROUND: There are approximately 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine as a result of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Exposure to violence, forced displacement and increased mental disorders are potential risk-factors for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for AUD among Ukrainian IDPs and investigate the relationship between AUD, mental health service utilization and coping behaviours. <br><br>METHODS: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey of 2203 IDPs was conducted. Data were collected on AUD [using alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT)], mental health disorders, utilization of health services and coping behaviours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for AUD, and to estimate the odds ratios for the association between alcohol use and utilization of health services and coping behaviours. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 2203 IDPs surveyed, 8.4% of men and 0.7% of women screened positive for AUD (AUDIT >7). Among current drinkers, AUD was present in 14.9% of men and 1.8% of women. Age, cumulative trauma exposure and anxiety were significantly associated with AUD in multivariable analysis. Alcohol users were 43% less likely to access health services for mental health compared with non-users. AUD was associated with more negative coping behaviours. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: AUD is present within the male Ukrainian IDP population. Alcohol use was significantly associated with lower utilization of mental health services and more negative coping behaviours. AUD screening and low-intensity treatment services should be expanded for IDPs in Ukraine, particularly if integrated into mental health and psychosocial support programmes.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1101-1262
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckz117
ID  - ref1
ER  -