Prevalence and self-rated health and depression of family members affected by addictive disorders: results of a nation-wide cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of family members affected by addictive disorders (FMA) with regard to various types of addictive disorders, and self-rated health and depression in the general population.

Design: Cross-sectional general population survey.

Setting: The German Health Update study (GEDA) 2014/2015, a nationally representative panel of German residents aged 15 years or older.

Participants: A total of 24 824 residents aged 15 years or older.

Measurements: Participants were asked if they had a family member with current or past addictive disorder, the type of addiction and the relationship status. In addition, self-rated health and depression were assessed using standardized questionnaires.

Findings: Of the respondents, 9.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.0-10.0] reported being affected by a current addictive disorder of a relative (cFMA), with a further 4.5% (95% CI = 4.2-4.9) reported having been affected by the addictive disorders of a relative in the past but not within the last 12 months (pFMA). Most FMAs reported having been affected by disorders due to alcohol, followed by cannabis and other drugs. Compared with life-time non-FMAs, FMAs reported significantly (P < 0.001) higher odds ratios for depression (cFM = 2.437; 95% CI = 2.082-2.853; pFMA = 1.850; 95% CI = 1.519-2.253) and ill-health (cFMA = 1.574; 95% CI = 1.374-1.805; pFMA = 1.297; 95% CI = 1.082-1.555).

Conclusions: In Germany, family members affected by addictive disorder are a substantial group within the general population. This group is characterized by ill-health and has not yet been adequately addressed by the addiction treatment system.

Keywords: alcohol; cannabis; depression; family; gambling; general population; public health.