Abstract

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that, there are 2 billion people worldwide who consume alcoholic beverages. The burden of alcohol use is a public health concern. In South, East and West Africa, prevalence of alcohol abuse ranges between 10%-
70%. Uganda has previously reported that, annual per capital alcohol consumption was 23.7
litters. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol use disorders
among patients attending psychiatry unit of KIU-TH. The researcher used a retrospective
study in patients admitted at KIU-TH psychiatry unit within a period of six months from January, 2017 to June, 2017. From the results of this study, mental health problems were on the increase and up to 34% of admissions were due to alcohol related mental disorders, 70.6% are new admissions. Alcohol induced psychosis is the most prevalent diagnosed alcohol related mental illness with 41.2%, followed by Alcohol abuse with 23.5%, then alcohol withdrawal with 17.6%. Stress was the number one factor associated with alcohol use mental disorder with 70.6%. However, when treated, alcohol related mental disorders has a good
prognosis of 82.6%. It is recommended that KIUTH in collaboration with the University
section should create awareness of alcoholism as a mental health disorder that can be managed and treated. Youths should abstain from alcohol completely or limit their intake of alcohol. Alcohol sale and use should be strictly limited to few licensed shops.