OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of alcoholism and use of alcohol among the oldest and biggest families which make up the population of the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, as well as to identify a socio-demographic profile associated with this problem in that region. METHODS: A representative sample of the population was composed by 119 individuals. The instrument of research included questions on demographic and social data of the sample, and characterization of alcohol consumption. To assess the prevalence of alcoholism among these people, we used an instrument for screening alcohol related disturbances - the CAGE - and in this analyses it was taken into consideration, one or more positive answers to define the alcoholics. RESULTS: Results show an overall prevalence of alcohol consumption at 62.2% of the sample and alcoholism of 40.34%, with 50.9% for men and 30.6% for women. Male, unmarried, divorced and widowed individuals, not practitioners of the Protestant religion showed significant higher risk of alcoholism. CONCLUSION: The results were compared with previous studies in other populations and new lines of research are suggested.
Epidemiology; population study; alcoholism
