A study of speed and sustain attention in persons with alcohol dependence syndrome: a hospital base comparative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the groups’ difference in (persons with Alcohol dependence syndrome (experimental group) and control groups (non experimental group) in speed and attention Test profile and its association with age, education and duration of alcohol intake. Methodology: The present study was a cross sectional and comparative It was conducted at Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam. The data collection was done from those who were diagnosed a case of alcohol dependence as per International Classification of Disease -10 Diagnostic criteria for research. For this purpose 150 experimental samples and 150 control group were chosen using variable such as age, education and socio economic status. The study was adopted purpose sampling method and design was co relational and comparative. The experimental group included person diagnosed as a case of alcohol dependence according to Age 18-50 years, male,  primary education, comprehend ,right handedness were selected. For control group the same inclusion criteria were consider. Their general health questionnaire 12 score would fall below 2. To assess demographic details self develop socio demographic data was used along with the consent from the both groups. And following tools were used modified Kuppuswamy’s Socio economic status scale 2012, finger tapping test and digit symbol substitution test, ICD-10 and GHQ-12 was administered to the respondents. Result: – Persons with alcohol dependence group were low performer in finger tapping test, digit symbol substitution test and sustain attention test. It has significant relationship with their Age, Education and socio economic status and associated with the duration of alcohol intake. Conclusion: Group difference was found in the domain of attention and speed test profile. However, the group-A were low performer as compare to group B. Group A has significant negative and positive correlation with attention and speed test profile and their age, education, SESS and duration of alcohol intake has significant association  with  attention and speed test.