Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUD) in older people have been the subject of increasing interest in Europe and worldwide. However, thus far, no reliable data exist regarding the prevalence of AUD in people over the age of 65 years in Europe.ObjectiveTo assess the current (past month), 12-month and lifetime prevalence of alcohol use, abuse and dependence in people aged 65–84 years.Study designThe MentDis_ICF65+ study was a representative stepwise cross-sectional survey that was conducted in six European and associated cities (Hamburg, Germany; Ferrara, Italy; London/Canterbury, England; Madrid, Spain; Geneva, Switzerland and Jerusalem, Israel).MethodIn total, 3,142 community-dwelling people aged between 65 and 84 years who lived in participating cities were assessed with an age-sensitive diagnostic interview (CIDI65+).ResultsThe prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was 81% for the overall sample. The observed AUD (DSM-IV-TR) prevalence was as follows: current, 1.1%; 12-month, 5.3% and lifetime, 8.8%. Alcohol consumption and AUD were more prevalent in males, and a significant interaction between gender and city was observed; greater gender differences in the prevalence of these disorders were observed in Hamburg, London/Canterbury and Geneva in comparison to the other cities. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol consumption and 12-month AUD tended to be lower in older persons.ConclusionThe results highlight the appropriateness of using age-adjusted diagnostic tools (CIDI65+) to identify alcohol use and AUD in older people. Different alcohol use patterns were observed in males and females. The results seem to indicate the presence of different alcohol use patterns between northern and southern European countries. Specialized services are proposed, including brief and/or more intensive interventions framed intensive and more simple interventions framed in stepped care strategies, to improve the social and health resources available for older people across Europe.
Highlights
Alcohol use disorders are among the mental disorders with the highest prevalence rates worldwide [1]
Alcohol consumption and Alcohol use disorders (AUD) were more prevalent in males, and a significant interaction between gender and city was observed; greater gender differences in the prevalence of these disorders were observed in Hamburg, London/Canterbury and Geneva in comparison to the other cities
The prevalence of lifetime alcohol consumption and 12-month AUD tended to be lower in older persons
Summary
Alcohol use disorders (alcohol abuse and/or dependence, hereafter, AUD) are among the mental disorders with the highest prevalence rates worldwide [1]. The health risks associated with alcohol consumption increase in older people because their physical tolerance for alcohol decreases while the prevalence of some of the main risk factors for AUD (e.g., life stressors, solitude, social exclusion, physical illness and slower metabolism) is increasing [2,3]. Despite these data, few studies of people over 65 years of age have been conducted [3,4,5,6]. Far, no reliable data exist regarding the prevalence of AUD in people over the age of 65 years in Europe
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