Rate of alcohol and substance use disorders among the journalists in Erbil City

ABSTRACT

A number of studies have shown variations in the rate of alcohol and substance use disorders among different populations, but no study till now focused on such a variation in Iraq. The present study aimed to examine variations in the rate of alcohol and substance use disorders among journalists and some other residents in Erbil city. 200 journalists and 486 other professionals were interviewed between the period of September to November 2008 by a structured interview [M.I.N.I.] for the detection of alcohol and substance use disorders. among the journalists, 34.5% were alcohol dependents, 7.5% were alcohol abusers, 1% were substance dependent, and another 1% were substance abusers. Among the non-journalists, 7.6% were alcohol dependents, 2.26% were alcohol abusers, 1.44% were substance dependents, and 1.02% were substance abusers. Most of the substances, other than alcohol, used by both groups were the prescription pills. 50% of journalists and 75% of non-journalists, who were either substance dependents or abusers, were alcohol dependents or abusers at the same time. Male gender and those who achieve higher educational levels were more affected in both groups. The present study concluded that occupation is an important determinant for alcohol and substance use disorders in Iraq. Working as a journalist, is a risk factor particularly for alcohol dependence. Gender is an important determinant within each occupation as well