A trans-theoretical approach to alcohol abuse profile in the general population of an islamic country - Mashhad, Iran

Background:From a public health perspective, alcohol-related problems have enormous social and individual consequences. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to apply the TTM on the general population of Mashhad city to evaluate the change levels and possible relative factors regarding alcohol abuse. Methods:: In a cross-sectional design, a total number of 564 people from the General Population of Mashhad, Iran participated. Stages of change questionnaire based on trans-theoretical model (TTM) and the checklist including socio-demographic characteristics as well as possible related factors were used. SPSS 11.5 software was used for all statistical analyses. Results: Among 564 people who took part in this survey, 245 (43.43%) had the history of alcohol consumption or they were current alcohol users. The analysis showed that 19.2% of the participants were in pre-contemplation stage, 3.3% in contemplation, 1.2% in preparation, 2.9% in action, 2% in maintenance and 71.4% were in termination phase. Age, job, smoking, and hookah smoking were identified as predictors of pre-contemplation stage. Marital status, job, and smoking were predictors of termination phase. Conclusion: This picture is from an Islamic holy city where assumed religious beliefs have cramped drinking patterns. According to harm of alcohol abuse, it is necessary to tailor the intervention for target populations. Factors identified as predictors of alcohol abuse such as age, marital status and occupation, as well as being cigarette and hookah smokers should be taken into account in the design of future interventions.