The Epidemiology of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder among Young Adult Injury Patients in Northern Tanzania

Background: Alcohol use is a major risk factor for injuries, which are the leading cause of significant morbidity and mortality among young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Tanzania, high rates of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and heavy episodic drinking have been documented. However, data on alcohol use among young adult (24 years) injury patients remain limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of alcohol use, drinking patterns, alcohol-related consequences, and depressive symptoms among young people with acute injuries seeking care at the emergency department (ED) in Northern Tanzania. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study used data from the ongoing PRACT trial, including young adults (18–24 years) with acute injuries. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), alcohol-related consequences with the Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DrInC), and mental health with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics of the study participants, while subgroup analyses assessed alcohol use patterns, risk levels, and alcohol-related consequences, including depression. Results: A total of 469 patients (mean age: 21.4 years, SD ±1.9) were included. Nearly half (47.7%) were current drinkers, and 11.9% reported alcohol use within six hours before injury. Among current drinkers, 38.4% had risky or problematic drinking patterns based on AUDIT scores, with 23.7% engaging in hazardous drinking, 7.1% in harmful drinking, and 7.6% showing probable alcohol dependence. Binge drinking was common, with a median of one binge day per month (IQR: 0-4). However, only 4.4% had ever sought help for alcohol-related problems. Depressive symptoms were present in 8.7% of participants, with the highest prevalence (20.0%) observed in those with probable alcohol dependence. Conclusion: Alcohol use is highly prevalent among young injury patients in Northern Tanzania, with many engaging in risky drinking and experiencing depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the need for routine alcohol screening and brief interventions in EDs to identify at-risk individuals and provide timely support. Community-based education and policies to reduce alcohol availability and promote healthier behaviors are also essential. Integrating mental health services into alcohol interventions is critical in addressing the dual burden of alcohol use and mental health issues in young adults.