MOTIVATION OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTIONOF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the variables associated to the motivation of inpatients to avoid excessiveconsumption of alcoholic beverages. This is a cross-sectional study in which participated 1.050 male patients agedbetween 21 and 70 years, hospitalized in three hospitals of the city of Pelotas, in the period from November 1st, 2000 toJune 15th, 2001. Data collection was performed by the application of questionnaires. The findings revealed that 180patients were excessive drinkers, predominating, among them, people with less economic power and higher age group. Bythe other hand, the younger group presented itself less motivated to avoid such habits. Therefore, that group must beconsidered a priority target from interventions performed by health professionals, in order to enable their awareness aboutthe inconvenience caused by the abuse of alcohol.

Keywords

• Alcoholism
• Motivation
• Risk factors