RISK FACTORS FOR HAZARDOUS DRINKING AMONG DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Abstract

Abstract Little is known about alcohol use disorder (AUD) among family caregivers of people living with dementia, even though it is suspected as a contributing cause for caregiving outcomes such as elder mistreatment. This study examines the frequency of and potential risk factors for hazardous drinking (one dimension of AUD, measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test AUDIT-C) among a sample of dementia family caregivers (Nf165). We used data from the first wave of an ongoing longitudinal study on daily dementia caregiving experiences. We computed binary logistic regression models using SPSS version 28 to identify potential risk factors. Among our sample, 20% of caregivers identified as positive for hazardous drinking. Caregivers with greater difficulty regulating their emotions (OR= 1.046, P=0.005, [95%CI] = 1.014–1.079) had significantly greater odds for hazardous drinking, as well as those with a history of physical neglect in childhood (OR=1.176, P=0.01, [95%CI] =1.037–1.334) and those who seek social support as a coping mechanism (OR=1.119, P=0.01, [95%CI] = 1.027–1.220). Additionally, the higher number of ADLs their relative needs assistance with the lower the odds (OR=0.775, p=0.01, [95%CI] =0.64–0.94) of hazardous drinking. Demographic factors such as gender and age were not associated with hazardous drinking, though the sample was predominantly female (90%). Findings show that dementia family caregivers experience hazardous drinking at a rate higher than the general population (6–16%) suggesting family caregivers are at a uniquely higher risk for AUD. Furthermore, the potential risk factors could inform future screening efforts to identify family caregivers experiencing hazardous drinking.