Resumen

SIMONOVIS, Nelson et al. Health and alcoholism in the inhabitants of Baruta-El Hatillo. AVFT [online]. 2007, vol.26, n.1, pp.49-61. ISSN 0798-0264.

This epidemiological study was carried out among 1600 inhabitants over 18 years of age of the municipality of Baruta (Caracas, Venezuela) using an structured questionnaire about alcoholism. The sample was stratified by sex, age and social class. 86% of the people answering the questionnaire consumed alcoholic drinks, beer being the preferred drink (46%). Those who most induced the subjects to consume alcohol were friends and relatives. The prevalence of alcohol intake was 44.7% for social drinkers, 12.1% for at-risk drinkers, 26.2% for disfunctional drinkers and 5.7% for alcoholics. These prevalences depend on sex, age and social class (120 categories). The prevalence of alcoholism is the same as the highest in some Latin American countries and higher than in some industrialized countries. Finally, the variables linked to alcoholism were determined. The conclusion of this study is that a similar one must be carried out at the national level and educational prevention strategies must be implemented.

Palabras clave : prevalence; types of consumers; induce; associated variables.