Effect of Al-Anon attendance on family function and quality of life in women in Mashhad, Iran

摘要

Background: Al-Anon self-help group is the sole source of assistance for families whose members suffer from alcohol abuse problems in Iran. Objectives: To assess the effects of Al-Anon meeting attendance on family function and quality of life of women living with husbands with alcohol use disorders. Methods: The study was conducted among two groups of women first time participants in Al-Anon (n = 40) and participants who had attended Al-Anon for at least six months (n = 40) in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were administered the Quality of Life Short Form (QOL SF-36) and Family Assessment Device (FAD). Results: There was a significant group difference in the QOL SF-36 total as well as in the sub-scores of role limitations due to physical problems, role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality, pain, and social functioning sub-scores. No significant group differences were observed in FAD sub-scores, except for the subscale of problem solving. Conclusion: These findings suggest Al-Anon, when other structured therapeutic interventions are not available, may be of particular benefit for quality of life issues in women attendees.