Abstract
Background: Hazardous use of alcohol is a public health problem which accounts for
4.0% of global burden of disease. There are very few studies about alcohol consumption
trend among tribal in Bangladesh. We investigated the pattern and trend with reasons
for alcohol use in Hill Tract dwellers with the aim to increase the awareness of this
problem. Objective: To identify the pattern of alcohol use and its effect among the tribal
so that effective measures can be taken to eliminate the social evil. Materials and
method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among tribal community of
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati district, Bangladesh between June 2014 to February
2015. Out of 846 people coming in ‘Naniarchor’ and ‘Langadu’ upazila health
complexes 716 (84.6%) constituted the study group. The CAGE test was used as a
screening test in determining alcohol dependence. Results: The prevalence of alcohol
consumption among tribal is 48.9%. Rural areas (65%) are the most vulnerable area.
Home-made alcohol (61%) was the most patronized alcoholic beverage. Most of the
cases (82%) started alcohol before 30 years of age and 46% participants took alcohol
daily. To get pleasure is the commonest factor for taking alcohol (57%). Physical and
mental degenerations were found in most of the alcoholic cases (88%). Conclusion: The
results of the present study are likely to increase the awareness of the problem in hill
areas and help the concerned authorities to shape the requisite alcohol control policies
in these regions.