Influence of Drinking related Locus of Control on motivation to change alcohol drinking behavior, as observed in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction

With the ever-increasing prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Nepal and elsewhere in Asia, it is imperative to study factors that motivate individuals to change their drinking behavior and aid in the recovery process.

Methods

The study was conducted among 225 consenting male patients with AUD admitted at various drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, drinking-related locus of control (LOC), and motivation to change drinking behavior. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the influence of drinking-related LOC on motivation to change drinking behavior.

Results

Around 75% of patients with AUD were observed to have external LOC. A statistically significant association was found between drinking-related LOC and motivation to change drinking behavior, where those with internal LOC were at least 2.5 times more likely to be better motivated to change their drinking behavior in comparison to those with external LOC.

Discussion

Interventions with a focus on shifting LOC from external to internal are likely to improve the motivation of patients with AUD and aid in the recovery process. However, studies with a longitudinal design may be needed to further consolidate the findings from this study.

 

The article can be accessed in https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14659891.2021.1912203