Authors: (including presenting author): :
Tang YK(1), Chow TT(1), Ko TK(1), Law NL(1), Tang YK(1), Lo KC(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Community Psychiatric Service, Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Alcohol dependence
Keyword 2: :
alcohol consumption
Keyword 3: :
Community Psychiatry
Keyword 4: :
Brief intervention
Introduction: :
Alcohol dependence remains a significant public health concern globally with 3 million deaths every year resulting from harmful use of alcohol, representing 5.3% of all deaths. The Department of Health reported that approximately 14.3% of Hong Kong adults engage in binge drinking, while 3.5% meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. Cultural factors, including the increasing acceptance of social drinking and work-related stress, contribute to this growing problem. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated alcohol consumption patterns in Hong Kong, with a 23% increase in reported heavy drinking episodes during lockdown periods. Alcohol dependence leads to severe physical consequences including liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological damage. Socially, it often results in relationship breakdown, unemployment, and financial difficulties. Mental health impacts include increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide, while mortality rates are significantly higher among dependent drinkers. The high hospitalisation rate with about 2000 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Hong Kong per year increases hospital burden. Studies indicate that approximately 50% of individuals with alcohol dependence experience concurrent mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety disorder. This dual diagnosis often results in poorer treatment outcomes and increased risk of relapse. Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) act as caregiver, educator, health promoter to clients in the community. With good rapport and trust built, CPNs could implement BRIEF Intervention Program to reduce alcohol consumption and dependence.
Objectives: :
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a revised BRIEF Intervention in reducing alcohol consumption and dependence among clients with alcohol dependence in a community setting. To achieve this aim, the study pursues several specific objectives. First, it seeks to measure initial levels of alcohol consumption and dependence among clients with alcohol dependence through the administration of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Second, the revised BRIEF Intervention, specifically tailored for a sample of clients with alcohol dependence in a community setting, will be implemented. Third, the study will assess the intervention's impact on reducing alcohol-related behaviors and dependence, which serves as the primary outcome. Fourth, as a secondary outcome, it will evaluate the effects on clients' overall quality of life. Finally, client satisfaction and feedback regarding the revised BRIEF Intervention will be gathered to identify its strengths and potential areas for improvement.
