Background: Visually impaired individuals have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases compared with the general Korean population. However, little is known about the associations between alcohol drinking and chronic diseases in this population. This study aimed to examine these associations among severe vision disorders among adult men. Methods: A total of 237 men severely visually impaired adults aged 50 years or older were surveyed. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Korean version. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between alcohol drinking behaviors and chronic diseases, adjusting for age, body mass index, education level, economic activity, physical activity, regular diet habits and smoking. Results: Hypertension was the most common condition (22.8%), followed by liver disease (16.6%) and diabetes mellitus (16.2%). Other reported conditions included osteoarthritis (9.0%), pneumonia (8.4%), kidney disease (8.2%), heart disease (5.7%), cerebrovascular disease (5.7%), cancer (4.5%), and gout (3.1%). Only 11.8% of participants reported no chronic conditions, while 22.4% had one and 28.3% had two. Multimorbidity (≥3 conditions) was observed in 37.6% of participants, with 7.2% reporting five or more conditions. Past drinkerson-drinkers showed a significantly lower odds of heart disease (P=0.006) and pneumonia (P=0.011). In contrast, arthritis showed a significantly higher risk among current drinkers (P=0.039). Hazardous drinkers (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Korean version score≥8) showed a higher prevalence of cancer (P=0.023) and liver disease (P=0.024) compared with non-hazardous drinkers. Hazardous drinking was associated with 9.00-fold increased risk of diabetes (95% confidence interval=1.68–48.14, P<0.05). Conclusions Hazardous drinking showed 9.00-fold increased risk of diabetes among adults with severe visual impairment. Tailored health promotion programs are needed to address alcohol drinking behaviors and prevent chronic diseases in this population.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, time of alcohol purchase is not part of the policies to regulate alcohol consumption in South Korea. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between alcohol purchasing time and alcohol use disorder. METHODS: The survey for this study was conducted in geographically diverse regions of South Korea in 2012. Respondents’ purchasing behaviors for both on-licensed (i.e., allows for consumption within the premises) and off-licensed (i.e., where alcohol is consumed off the premises) outlets and time of alcohol consumption were collected. Alcohol consumption patterns were examined using the Rapid Alcohol Problem Screen 4 (RAPS4). Data were also analyzed by age, gender and purchasing time. RESULTS: Results showed that among the off-licensed premises, supermarkets appear to be the most popular venue while for on-licensed premises; alcohol was generally consumed inside hotels/pubs regardless of age and gender of the purchaser. Purchasing of alcohol was highest during the day and early evening period (9:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m.). Females are most likely to abuse alcohol than males during the early morning period and is that period after 12:00 midnight. CONCLUSION: Analysis suggests that the survey instrument used in the International Alcohol Control Study is being used to collect data on alcohol purchasing time consumption; therefore, the potential is there to provide accurate results to contribute appropriate policy responses to reduce alcohol related-harm.
Alcohol Drinking ; Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male

Objectives: Alcohol misuse has been widely studied as a substantial contributor to injured patients' visits to emergency departments. The current research studied differences in alcohol-related injury variables in China and Korea. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 4,509 patients (2,862 males and 1,667 females) reporting at emergency departments in China and Korea using the World Health Organization collaborative study on alcohol and injuries protocol. Results: More injuries were reported by men, young people aged 25–34 years, employed individuals, and persons who had at least a high-school education. The proportion of injury cases among intoxicated patients was 14% for Chinese and 20% for Koreans. The odds of intentional injuries to intoxicated patients increased significantly when the perpetrator had been drinking, especially for severely intoxicated victims in both countries. The odds of injuries for intoxicated persons in both countries were high during sports and leisure activities; odds ratio (OR) = 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.76–5.59 for Chinese and OR = 10.97, 95% CI = 6.06–19.85 for Koreans. Conclusion These findings are a contribution to research in the two Asian countries about the effect of intoxication on injuries especially when both victim and perpetrator are intoxicated.