Guarapo consumption and alcohol dependence in the Monjas Bajo village, Moniquirá-Boyacá 2023

Abstract

Objective: to recognize some of the consumption patterns and determinants that are directly related to the intake of a fermented drink, guarapo, in a sample drawn from the rural population of the municipality of Moniquirá, Boyacá. As well as the possible alcohol dependence related to this consumption. Materials and methods: Two instruments were used: a survey form composed of 11 items to characterize the population and the AUDIT questionnaire. Through sequential convenience sampling, 30 people were interviewed directly in the territory. Results: average age of 56.43 years; 80% male; All of the people surveyed classify themselves as being in the low socioeconomic stratum; 96.6% have poor schooling with studies less than basic secondary school; 63.33% started consuming guarapo at an age between 10 and 15 years; 80% of the people surveyed consume 60 or more liters of guarapo monthly; one person (3.3%) has frequently presented gaps; 80% of those surveyed let the guarapo ferment for 8 days or more and 59.3 had a medium and high risk of alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Among the risk factors identified are: male sex, low socioeconomic status, low schooling, being a farmer as an occupation and the generational tradition of consumption as a basis to promote this lifestyle in the rural population of Moniquirá. Likewise, the results of the AUDIT showed a percentage of 59.9 for medium and high risk, showing that guarapo is a drink that could be contributing to the consolidation of alcohol dependence present in the community.