Risk Factors and Temporal Trends in Alcohol Dependence Severity Among Women Admitted to a Gender-Specific Outpatient Service in Brazil Across 23 Years

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among women have been recognized as a growing challenge globally. Women have specificities related to past traumas, comorbidities, and co-occurring substance disorders and face unique challenges to reach treatment. This study investigates risk factors and temporal trends in alcohol dependence severity among women admitted to a gender-specific outpatient center in Brazil. Two hundred twenty-five participants with AUD were included, spanning from 1999 to 2022. Sociodemographic, psychiatric comorbidities, substance use disorders, and sexual abuse data were collected. The Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD) questionnaire score was used as the outcome. Linear regressions were performed, protective factors were education (Unadjusted β = − 0.48, 95% CI = [− 0.85, − 0.11], p < 0.05) and income (Unadjusted β = − 3.99, 95% CI = [− 7.15, − 0.82], p < 0.05). There was a consistent decrease in alcohol dependence severity over the years (β = − 0.25, 95% CI = [− 0.46, − 0.04], p = 0.02). Findings highlight the complex interplay between the rising prevalence of AUD in women and access to care, and underscore the importance of education and income Including formal educational modules or skills training in the recovery of the patients may change treatment outcomes.