Medicinski vjesnik, Vol. 20 No. (4), 1988.
Original scientific paper
Problems of alcoholism in the region of Osijek
Mijo Šućur
Zdravko Ebling
Željko Šućur
Abstract
Some aspects and problems of alcoholism were studied in the region of Osijek, comparing the periods 1965 — 1985 and 1980 — 1985. The average annual number of hospitalizations due to alcoholism was by 767 days higher in the period 1980 — 1985, whereas the average number of hospital days per patient was reduced by 4 days for male and by 9 days for female patients. This is understandable, considering a greater number of admissions to the hospital and only a neglegable increase in hospital beds. The average annual number of admissions per patient was just below two. A steady increase in the mean number of first admissions to the hospital was noticed, as well as in the total number of hospitalizations. There was a decrease in the number of hospitalizations due to an acute alcoholic psychosis. It was established that this was a result of a previous hospital stay, as well as of treating predelirious states in general practice. The ratio between male and female patients was 8:1. Active insurants represented 66.2 %, agricultural insurants 17.08 % and pensioners 16.7 % of cases. The registration of alcoholism in outpatient departments and in general practice for the period 1981 — 1983 was also studied, whereby totally unrealistic figures were found. In general practice only 25 % of the expected number of alcoholics were registered in the three-year period, and in the department of work medicine 56 % of the expected cases. This is explained by the fact that most GPs in the region have neither a defined population, nor the micro-regions they cover. The total of 1062 death certificates, issued by GPs and hospital doctors from the regions of Osijek and Slavonski Brod were examined. It was noticed that over 1000 certificates were filled in incorrectly, so that the mortality due to alcoholism remains hidden. Some inadequacies in the »Instructions« of the »International Classification of Diseases, Trauma and Causes of Death«, as a result of which the mortality caused by alcoholism remains hidden, were pointed out. It is suggested that these inadequacies in the new revision be corrected. More responsibility is necessary in evidenting and reporting about morbidity and mortality related to alcoholism, so that medicine and the society as a whole may be able to undertake extensive preventive measures. Without realizing the real size of this problem, an adequate engagement on the part of medical staff and the society cannot be expected. The legal obligation of doctors and institutions to adhere to the »Instructions« was also stressed.
Keywords
alcoholism; the region of Osijek
Hrčak ID:
197245
URI
Publication date:
1.12.1988.
Visits: 1.483 *