Association of self-reported injury and alcohol consumption in medical outpatients

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the association between minor injury and level of alcohol consumption among adult outpatients. Self-administered survey of alcohol use and level of injury in prior month. Adult outpatients attending a university-based general internal medicine private practice. During a four-month period, 1,011 patients aged 18-65 years were asked to complete questionnaires while waiting to see a physician. The 791 who completed all forms appropriately are included in this study. None. The total number of drinks and the total number of injuries reported during the preceding month were calculated. Nondrinkers reported an average of 0.51 (SD = 1.18) injuries in the prior month; and drinkers, 0.92 (SD = 1.70) injuries. Minor injuries were reported more frequently by heavier alcohol consumers only among younger patients (RR = 1.88). There was no association between reported injury and alcohol consumption among patients over 50 years of age (RR = 0.90). Minor injury is associated with heavier alcohol consumption in younger patients attending a general medical practice, but not among older patients. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between alcohol drinking and minor injury.