Abstract

Bhagyasri P., Dr. Gautham Surya Tej Kola, M.S., Dr. Sreenath G. S., M. S, FMAS, *Dr. Elamurugan T. P., M.S, DNB, MNAMS, FMAS

ABSTRACT

Background &Objectives: Acute pancreatitis is a necro-inflammatory disease that is characterized by infiltration of the pancreas by inflammatory cells and destruction of the pancreatic exocrine cells. Continuous consumption of alcohol is the most significant risk factor in a dose-dependent manner for recurrent acute pancreatitis and abstinence from alcohol prevents recurrence. The aim of this study was to find out the alcohol drinking behavior of patients at 3 months follow up after admission for acute alcoholic pancreatitis and to assess the factors that influenced the alcohol drinking behavior. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Male patients >18yrs diagnosed as acute alcoholic pancreatitis at least 3 months prior to the study were included as subjects. Alcohol drinking behavior prior to the previous admission and during the 3 monthspost-admission was assessed using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD). Individual and socio-environmental factors that influenced the alcohol drinking behavior were documented using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. Of the 60 patients interviewed abstinence from alcohol was noted in 23.3 %( 14) of patients.26.7 %( 16) of patients reached low dependence level SADD score and 25% of patients attained “No problem drinking” AUDIT score at 3months follow up. It was also observed that age of the patient, educational status, marital status and age at first drinking were found to significantly influence the alcohol drinking behavior of the patient. Interpretation& Conclusion: Based on our study we conclude that a significant number of patients continue to drink following an acute attack of pancreatitis, though there is a reduction in the problem drinking and alcohol dependency. Effective motivation and addressing the social-economic problems during the de-addiction counseling at initial hospital admission for acute pancreatitis will help to improve the abstinence.