Psychiatric Manifestations among Consumers with Disorders Related to the Use of Lotoko Artisanal Alcohol in Kenge (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Manifestations Psychiatriques chez les Consommateurs Présentant des Troubles Liés à la Consommation d'Alcool Artisanal « Lotoko » à Kenge (République Démocratique du Congo)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67260/hra.v4i7.7873Keywords:
Alcohol use disorder, psychiatric comorbidities, depression, RDC Congo, LotokoAbstract
Introduction. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lotoko is frequently associated with somatic and psychiatric complications, but data on consumers with alcohol use disorders remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the psychiatric manifestations in consumers with alcohol use disorder related to Lotoko in Kenge. Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted in Kenge from July 1 to August 31, 2025. Participants were individuals aged 18 years and older, residing in Kenge for at least 12 months, and regular Lotoko consumers. Alcohol use disorder was assessed according to DSM-5 criteria. Results. The study included 256 participants. There was a male predominance (96.9 %; sex ratio 24.6). The mean age was 39 years, with the majority in the 36-45 age group (29.3 %). The age of initiation was primarily between 10 and 20 years. Most participants were in a relationship (73 %), had secondary education (55.6 %), and were unemployed (62 %). According to DSM-5, 91.4 % presented with severe alcohol use disorder. Depressive disorders were frequent, with 59.4 % experiencing major depressive episodes. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p = 0.032) was significantly associated with the severity of alcohol use disorder, while anxiety-depressive disorders were strongly associated with different levels of addiction (p < 0.001). Conclusion. This study highlights a high burden of severe alcohol use disorder among Lotoko consumers in Kenge, associated with substantial psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depressive disorders.
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