Quality of life of adolescents living in alcoholic families

Abstract

The problems among adolescents in Thai society tends to be more serious and complex. Most of them have alcohol involved. Alcohol consumption in particular has led to domestic violence acts which, in turn, affect the quality of life of adolescents living in the same household. The study aims to assess the factors associated with the quality of life among adolescents living in alcoholic families. Data collection was conducted among 379 people aged 13-18 years, who resided in different Sub-districts of Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The data were collected using a researcher-constructed questionnaire and a short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). It was found that 49.08% of participants was female; 32.71% were in 3rd grade; and average number of family members consuming alcoholic drinks was 1.97. In addition, 51.18% of the sample were found to have a moderate level of overall quality of life. When considering each component, it was found that the quality of life of the sample was in the middle level in terms of social relationships domain (61.21%), physical health domain (57.78%), psychological domain (51.98%), and environmental domain (50.13%). The results of statistical analysis using multiple logistic regression revealed that family relationships, academic performance, education levels, personality, daily income, and the adequacy of money for daily spending were related to the quality of life of each component. As family relationships, academic performance, and education levels were found to have statistically significant correlation with the overall quality of life among adolescents living in alcoholic families, relevant agencies should implement necessary measures to strengthen the relationship between family members, especially those who drink with their children. In order for the adolescents to express the positive emotions that are characteristic of cheerful and fun individuals, it is advisable that adolescents manage their allowances to ensure they have enough money for daily living. In the meantime, educational institutions should also develop a care system to provide necessary support to students living in alcoholic families.