A Retrospective Study to Assess the Association Between Binge Drinking and Kidney Diseases

INTRODUCTION: This study delves into the link between binge alcohol drinking and kidney diseases, exploring how overindulgence may erode the body's vital filtration system. AIM: To evaluate the association between binge alcohol drinkers and kidney diseases, excluding kidney stones and bladder incontinence, based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database. The disease variable was self-reported kidney diseases, excluding kidney stones, bladder infection, and incontinence, and the risk factor was binge drinking. Control variables included demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race) and socioeconomic factors (education and income). Data were analyzed using cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests, with results expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Binge drinkers are 65% less likely to be associated with kidney diseases than non-binge drinkers. This trend was observed across age groups, with the greatest reduction in kidney disease risk among binge drinkers aged 45-64 years (51% lower likelihood). Male binge drinkers showed a greater reduction (65% lower likelihood) compared to female drinkers (63% lower likelihood). Racial disparities indicated that White binge drinkers had the most significant reduction in kidney diseases (67% lower likelihood). Socioeconomic factors revealed that participants with advanced education and higher incomes showed a 66% and 62% lower likelihood of kidney diseases, respectively, in binge drinkers. CONCLUSION: Binge drinking is inversely associated with kidney diseases across demographic and economic groups.