Alcohol and crime behaviour.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol use has been shown to be associated with High Risk Behaviour (HRB). However, the exact nature of this association remains to be clarified. 100 male patients admitted with an ICD-10 diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) were studied using both self-report and semi-structured interview. The data was analysed using an Event- analysis technique for the occurrence of HRB, namely Road traffic Accidents, Crime and Violence, Self-injurious behaviour and risky Sexual behaviour. Personality variables were studied using the Sensation Seeking Scale, Form V, Indian Adaptation and Barratt‟s Impulsivity Scale, version 11. Data was analysed using SPSS, with Independent t-test, chi square and logistic regression. Out of the 100 patients studied 64 of the sample were exposed to HRB. Analysis of the data found evidence that Severity of Dependence, Personality Constructs of Sensation Seeking and Impulsivity, and lower Educational status showed significant association with HRB. On logistic regression analysis Lower Educational Status, Sensation Seeking Scores and Severity of Alcohol Dependence were found to predict H R B. The occurrence of HRBs was substantial among patients with ADS, with majority of them involved in road traffic accidents.