Condicionantes del acceso a tratamiento del abuso de alcohol en instituciones de carácter público en México. Diferencias por género

Conditioning of access to alcohol abuse treatment in public institutions in Mexico. Differences by gender

Abstract

Objective: To analyze, through trajectories of attention, the differences between men and women with abuse or alcoholic dependence (alcoholism), according to the conditions of access to specialized treatments in units from the public health system of El Valle de México. Method: Qualitative cross-sectional exploratory study carried out between 2015 and 2016. Twenty-five informants were interviewed among women and men with alcohol abuse or dependence, family members and health personnel from institutions specialized in treatments of addictions in El Valle de México and a female group of Anonymous Alcoholics. The interviews were recorded and transcribed prior informed consent. Discourse analysis was conducted and data and informants were triangulated. Results: There are multiple barriers to access treatments of alcohol abuse or dependence in specialized public health institutions, particularly for women who suffer greater discrimination and stigmatization because of their suffering (by family, society and Health service providers) and greater rejection from institutional care. For men, family becomes a facilitator when looking for care, not for most women. The lack of gender-perspective treatment protocols was evidenced. Conclusions: Multiple barriers persist for access to treatment of alcohol abuse or dependence in public health institutions, especially for women. A multidisciplinary and gender-perspective approach is required for those who suffer from this addiction, allowing effective access to treatment.