Risk Factors of Alcohol Use Disorders Among Inpatients with Schizophrenia: An Institutional-Based Cross-sectional Survey

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among inpatients with schizophrenia at a specialized mental hospital in Baoding city, China.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey comprised 301 comorbid patients. Three binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the factors linked to AUDs in patients with schizophrenia. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to validate inconsistent variables identified by the regression models.

Results: Significant differences were observed between the comorbid and non-comorbid groups concerning sex (P < .001), disposition (P=.049), smoking habits (P < .001), place of residence (P=.010), family relationships (P=.002), family history of mental disorders (P=.008), history of alcoholism (P=.003), onset latency (P=.005), impulsivity (P < .001), suicide or self-injury history (P < .001), and obvious aggressive behavior (P < .001) in univariate analyses. The area under the curve values for the three regression models were 0.83 (P < .001), 0.80 (P < .001), and 0.81 (P < .001), respectively. Binary logistic regression and propensity score matching analyses indicated that introverted disposition, smoking, acute onset, impulsivity, and suicide or self-injury history were independent risk factors associated with AUDs in inpatients with schizophrenia with an odds ratio of > 1.

Conclusion: Introverted disposition, smoking, acute onset, impulsivity, and suicide or selfinjury history were independently associated with the AUDs in inpatients with schizophrenia. Future studies should prioritize longitudinal studies to discern the evolving dynamics of potential confounding risk factors.

Cite this article as: Li B, Li W, Wang J, et al. Risk factors of alcohol use disorders among inpatients with schizophrenia: An institutional-based cross-sectional survey. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25(3):421-428.