Impact of chronic alcohol use on the psychosocial and emotional well-being of women of fertile age with chronic inflammatory diseases caused by sexually transmitted infections

Chronic alcohol use poses significant risks to women’s psychosocial and emotional health, particularly among those of reproductive age. The interplay of societal norms, gender dynamics, and adverse socio-economic conditions exacerbates these vulnerabilities. This study investigates the psychogenic and socio-environmental factors influencing alcohol dependence and its psychological consequences. Aim - to assess the impact of chronic alcohol use on the psychological state, interpersonal relationships, and social adaptation of women of reproductive age, emphasizing gender-sensitive and socio-cultural considerations. Materials and methods. A clinical study was conducted on two groups of women of reproductive age with varying patterns of alcohol use: episodic and chronic. The study involved 120 women of reproductive age, usually in the age range of 18 to 45 years, who were evenly divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 60 women who consumed alcohol episodically, and the second group included 60 women with chronic alcohol consumption. Psychological assessments included the Leary Interpersonal Test and Lüscher Color Test. Data on interpersonal behavior, stress levels, and adaptive functioning were quantitatively analyzed, highlighting correlations with socio-economic and family dynamics. Results. Women with chronic alcohol use exhibited higher levels of psychological stress, depression, and social disintegration compared to those with episodic use. Key findings include elevated rates of depression (90%), asthenic-vegetative syndrome (50%), and maladaptive interpersonal behaviors. Chronic users demonstrated significant socio-professional declines, including loss of employment and family stability. The findings underscore the compounded impact of social stigma, early exposure to risky behaviors, and negative familial environments. Conclusions. Chronic alcohol use significantly affects women's mental health, leading to stress, maladaptation, and strained interpersonal relationships. Effective interventions must incorporate gender-sensitive approaches, addressing societal stigmatization, providing psychological support, and fostering socio-economic stability to mitigate the impact of alcohol use. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent was obtained from the patients for conducting the study. The authors declare no conflict of interest.