MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

: The objective of the research was to study the clinical data of patients with firstly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (FDTB) and different levels of alcohol consumption. The study involved 102 patients with FDTB and alcohol consumption. According to the results of the AUDIT questionnaire, patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 - persons who scored 0-7 points according to the test results, group 2 - 8-15 points and group 3 - 16 points or more. The results of the study showed that patients of group 3 are more socially deprived. Alcohol abuse in patients with tuberculosis was significantly more often (p<0.05) associated with late detection of active tuberculosis, the severity of respiratory complaints, a higher involved of lung tissue in patological process according to the results of x-ray examinations, a tendency to form multiple cavities and a greater massiveness of bacterial excretion compared to groups of low-drinkers and moderate use of alcohol. Patients with FDTB who consume alcohol with a health hazard and abuse alcohol have a decrease in social adaptation and prevalence of common forms of tuberculosis with massive bacterial excretion. The fact they are more likely to develop progressive forms of the disease is a serious public health problem. Therefore, special attention aimed at the prevention of tuberculosis in this cohort of patients is necessary and justified.