Alcohol-intoxicated people treated at the Emergency Hospital of João Pessoa – Paraíba – Brazil, between 2003 and 2005

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: To analyse the epidemiology and clinical evolution of intoxications by alcohol attended in the Urgency section Hospital de Emergência e Trauma Senador Humberto Lucena (HETSHL). Material and Methods: Exploratory study with a quantitative approach, having a total sample of 195 alcoholic-intoxication records between January of 2003 and December of 2005. Results: The women’s average age was 23,08 years old and the men’s 27,12. 41,03% of the patients were 20 years old or younger; 44,10% between 21 and 34 years old; and 14,87% over 34 years old. Both genders were equally affected. Regarding symptomatology, 70,25% of the cases were light; 22,05% moderate; and 7,7% serious, with no death detected. All the social classes were similarly affected. Conclusion: Alcoholism does not make distinction of sex, age or social class and it should be considered a serious problem or public health. DESCIPTORS Alcoholic intoxication. Public Health. Epidemiology.