Anu Ramachandran1, Nino Makhashvili2,3, Jana Javakhishvili2,3, Andriy Karachevskyy4, Natalia Kharchenko5, Marina Shpiker5, Nadine Ezard6,7, Daniela C Fuhr1, Bayard Roberts1. 1. Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK. 2. Global Initiative on Psychiatry-Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia. 3. Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia. 4. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kyiv, Ukraine. 5. Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), Kiev, Ukraine. 6. University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 7. St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Authors: Sergiy Bogdanov; Jura Augustinavicius; Judith K Bass; Kristie Metz; Stephanie Skavenski; Namrita S Singh; Quincy Moore; Emily E Haroz; Jeremy Kane; Ben Doty; Laura Murray; Paul Bolton Journal: Glob Ment Health (Camb) Date: 2021-08-27
Authors: David Cantor; Jina Swartz; Bayard Roberts; Aula Abbara; Alastair Ager; Zulfiqar A Bhutta; Karl Blanchet; Derebe Madoro Bunte; JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji; Nihaya Daoud; Winifred Ekezie; Cecilia Jimenez-Damary; Kiran Jobanputra; Nino Makhashvili; Diana Rayes; Maria Helena Restrepo-Espinosa; Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales; Bukola Salami; James Smith Journal: J Migr Health Date: 2021-10-29