P-79 - Alcohol use and Psychosocial Correlates Among Aborigines in Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction

Malaysia is the tenth largest alcohol consumer in the world. Yet, there was limited data avaoilable about alcohol prevalence among Malaysian population at the moment. Apart from general population, the data on the usage of alcohol among the natives especially “Orang Asli” in central peninsular Malaysia are almost none. Orang asli are observed to use alcohol heavily as part of their cultural practices and end up with more complications e.g. intoxications, dependence syndrome and violence behavior.

Objectives

We investigate the prevalence of alcohol use among the aborigines and their psychosocial correlates related to alcohol use.

Methods

This is a household survey involving 200 participants, age 18 and above with written consent using sytematic sampling from the aborigine village area of Gombak Batu 11. We exclude those subjects who refused consent and those in the withdrawal or intoxication state during the interview. The Instruments use include Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Tool linked with Brief-Intervention(ASSIST-BI) questionnaires and MINI neuropsychiatric inventory(MINI). We also conduct the focus group discussion for details interview on their belief,knowledge and practice regarding alcohol drinking habit,.Outcomes measures are analysed using SPSS version 16.

Results

We expect that the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among Malaysian aborigines are higher as compare to general population in Malaysia.

Conclusions

The aborigines in Malaysia pobably in need for specific awareness promotion and outreach treatment program that tailor to their unique way of life.