Harmful Alcohol Use Among Patients with Tuberculosis in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol consumption among patients with tuberculosis is on the rise. There is evidence that alcohol consumption negatively affects treatment outcomes for these populations. Due to this, a substantial number of people relapse, withdraw from treatment, or even die as a result of their alcohol addiction. Despite this, little research has been conducted on the factors associated with the harmful use of alcohol by this group of people in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of harmful alcohol use among patients with tuberculosis in the Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at healthcare facilities. Four hundred and fifteen participants aged 18 and older were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, social support, perceptions of the stigma associated with tuberculosis, and depression were collected using structured and validated instruments. Measurement of harmful alcohol consumption was conducted using the AUDIT. RESULTS: The prevalence of harmful alcohol use among tuberculosis patients was 20% (95% CI; 16.1–24.2%). There is a significant correlation between medical comorbidity (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.29–4.62), disease duration (≥12 months) (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.03–3.04), and being male (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.17–3.77) with harmful alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that alcohol consumption was high among tuberculosis patients. The presence of comorbidities, being male, and having a long-term illness were significant predictors of harmful alcohol consumption. It is imperative to screen patients who have suffered from chronic tuberculosis for an extended period of time. It is also pertinent to screen patients with comorbid medical conditions for alcohol abuse. Screening for alcohol abuse at an early stage can prevent poor treatment outcomes as well as the effects of comorbid medical conditions and harmful use of alcohol.