Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Scores Research Articles

Effectiveness of digital screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among college students: A state-wide cluster randomized trial from India.

Alcohol misuse is prevalent among college students globally, including in India. Digital screening and brief interventions (DSBI) promise to address this issue. This study assesses DSBI's effectiveness in a state-wide cluster randomized trial among college students in India. We recruited 548 participants (274 in each DSBI and digital screening and brief advice-DSBA) from 40 colleges across 10 districts of Punjab, India. Colleges were selected via two-stage cluster random sampling and were allocated to groups using permuted block randomization. Participants with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores between 8 and 19 were included. The digital platform directed eligible participants to their respective groups. DSBI participants received information on alcohol harms, normative and personalized feedback, a decisional balance checklist, and a menu of options. DSBA participants received screening and alcohol harm information. Follow-ups were conducted at 3- and 6-month post-intervention. reduction in AUDIT scores; secondary outcomes: frequency of drinking, drinks per drinking day, and frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED). Baseline demographics and clinical variables did not significantly differ between groups, except for participants' age. 37.6% were women. Follow-up rates were 513/548 at 3 months and 483/548 at 6 months, with no group differences in attrition. AUDIT scores significantly decreased in both groups at 3 and 6 months (Time F = 1870.11, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.77), with no Group × Time effects (F = 0.160, p = 0.85). Drinking frequency, HED frequency, and drinks per drinking day decreased significantly in both groups without between-group differences. The study highlights the potential policy implications of integrating brief digital interventions for alcohol misuse into educational health initiatives.

Factors Associated With Motivation to Reduce Alcohol Use Among Patients With Chronic Liver Disease.

Alcohol use is prevalent among hepatology clinic patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We explored factors associated with the importance and confidence dimensions of motivation to reduce drinking. Participants (N = 121) with unhealthy alcohol use (i.e., over NIH guidelines) receiving care in hepatology clinics from a safety-net hospital (SN, N = 54) and two Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems (VA, N = 67) were enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial from March 2022 through October 2023. Baseline assessments included Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), COVID-19 stress; and measures of importance and confidence to decrease alcohol use (readiness rulers, scales of 1-10). Liver disease aetiology and severity were extracted from electronic health records. We performed multivariable linear regression models with forward selection to assess pre-specified variables' associations with importance and confidence. The sample was 84% male, 40% Latino, 31% White, 18% Black and 11% other races; median age was 61 years. Median (Q1-Q3) AUDIT score was 16 (12-24), importance was 9 (6-10) and confidence was 8 (5-9). On multivariable analysis, VA site (vs. SN) participants had a 0.97-point lower importance score (p = 0.02); higher symptoms of depression (PHQ-8 score ≥ 10 vs. < 10) and AUDIT scores (for each point increase) were associated with higher importance score (estimates 1.2 and 0.08, p < 0.05, respectively). Liver disease aetiology and severity were not significantly associated with outcomes. Depression, alcohol problem severity and treatment site may influence motivation to reduce alcohol use and could inform future hepatology-based interventions.

Is Alcohol Consumption Pattern Dependent on Prenatal Sex-Steroids? A Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Study Among University Students.

There is evidence that alcohol consumption is influenced by prenatal sex steroids (as measured by digit ratio [2D:4D]). Here, we clarify the effect size of the relationship in a student (rather than a patient) population. There were 258 (169 women) participants. Digit length was measured directly with calipers. Alcohol use was evaluated by the Polish version of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and operationalized as total AUDIT scores and grams of alcohol/week. Digit ratios were sexually dimorphic (males < females). There were negative correlations between right 2D:4D and Dr-l (right 2D:4D minus left 2D:4D) and AUDIT scores and grams of alcohol/week in both sexes. Relationships varied from small (r = -0.29) to large (r = -0.69) and they were stronger in males in comparison to females and for right 2D:4D in comparison to Dr-l. In males only, there were small (r = 0.21) to moderate (r = 0.31) positive associations with body size (height, weight, and mean right digit length) and alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analyses showed relationships between digit ratios remained significant but those for body size did not. Alcohol consumption was negatively related to 2D:4D, suggesting high prenatal testosterone and low prenatal estrogen are linked to its consumption. Correlations varied in strength from small to large with the strongest found for right 2D:4D and for males. Positive relationships between body size and alcohol were small to moderate, confined to males, and were not independent of digit ratios. Prenatal androgenization may influence alcohol drinking patterns in non-clinical individuals.

Long-term effectiveness of SBIRT by outreach visits on subsequent alcohol treatment utilization among inpatients from general hospital: a 36-months follow-up

Aim To investigate the long-term effect of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) on alcohol treatment utilization among general hospital inpatients. Methods This 36-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial included general hospital inpatients who were screened using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Patients with an AUDIT score of 8+ were included. Patients were randomized to either SBIRT (Relay) or treatment as-usual (TAU). Outcome was attendance at a specialized outpatient treatment institution or prescription of pharmacological alcohol treatment in general practice. Using the Danish Civil Registration System, patients were followed in the Danish National Patient Registry, Danish National Alcohol Treatment Register, and the Danish National Prescription Registry. Data was collected up to 36 months after discharge. Results The study population consisted of 258 patients in the Relay group and 303 patients in the TAU group. In the Relay group, 36 (14.0%) patients received treatment versus 23 (7.6%) in the TAU group. Patients in the Relay group had higher odds for receiving treatment compared to the TAU group (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4, p = 0.01). Significantly more patients in the Relay group scored 16+ on the AUDIT and had already tried to change their alcohol consumption (both p < 0.01). Adjusted for potential confounders, the effect of the Relay intervention was reduced (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 0.7–2.5, p = 0.31). Conclusions This study did not find evidence that SBIRT is better than TAU at sustaining significant long-term alcohol treatment utilization after discharge among inpatients from general hospital.

The impact of alcohol consumption on the quality of life of college students: a study from three Slovak universities

Alcohol consumption can influence an individual's quality of life, with the impact varying based on several factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, frequency of consumption, individual tolerance, and overall health. Slovakia is among the countries with the highest incidence of liver cirrhosis in the world, with alcohol representing a significant risk factor. Therefore, it is important to identify at-risk groups and the potential impact of various factors. The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and quality of life among college students in the Slovak Universities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021 and January 2022. The study included college students with an average age of 22.3 years. Participants were surveyed about their alcohol consumption and quality of life using the standardized Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaires. These questionnaires were distributed through online school systems. In the study, 88.7% of the students reported drinking alcohol. A low AUDIT score was recorded for 67.1% of the total participants (2573 students). A medium score was found in 23.3% of the participants (893 students). High scores were identified in 2.4% of the participants (92 students), and very high scores were found in 2.2% of the total participants (86 students). Mild pain was reported in 33.8% of cases, while moderate pain was reported in 5.2% of cases. Mild depression and anxiety were reported in 31.1% of the cases, and moderate depression and anxiety were reported in 13.5% of the cases. There is a statistically significant relationship between AUDIT and EuroQOL variables (p < 0.001). This suggests that the association between alcohol use (measured by AUDIT) and health-related quality of life (measured by EuroQOL) is unlikely to be due to chance. Higher alcohol consumption was associated with a poorer quality of life in Slovak college students. Our results suggest a meaningful connection between alcohol consumption behaviors and overall quality of life, highlighting the potential impact of alcohol use on health outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the nature and causality of this relationship, which could inform interventions aimed at improving health-related quality of life through alcohol use reduction strategies. The association between higher alcohol consumption and poorer quality of life in Slovak college students raises important questions about causality and the complex interplay between alcohol consumption and one’s overall well-being. The significant relationship between higher alcohol consumption and poorer quality of life suggests the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption among college students. Programs focusing on awareness and education about the negative impacts of excessive drinking could be implemented to promote healthier lifestyles.

The non-linear correlation between the severity of alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in the Chinese Wa ethnic minority.

The aim of this research was to examine the association between alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in the Wa ethnic minority of China, a population where this relationship has been insufficiently explored. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a sample of 317 current drinkers from the Wa ethnic minority, a "direct fast-forward" group in Cangyuan County, between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Utilizing a multi-stage cluster sampling approach, participants were selected, each of whom exhibited an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score exceeding 0. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews employing a uniform questionnaire. Quantification of alcohol use was achieved through the application of the AUDIT, while the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 was employed to gauge depressive symptoms. The relationship between the severity of alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms was evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model. Subsequently, potential non-linear associations were scrutinized through the application of a smoothing plot. The study included 317 current drinkers (196 males [61.83%]; mean age 41.78 ± 12.91 years), of which 94 (29.65%) exhibited comorbid depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounders, revealed that higher AUDIT scores were significantly associated with an increased probability of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.18, p = 0.008). The risk of depressive symptoms was notably greater in the group with alcohol dependent range in contrast the group at low-risk range (OR = 7.01, 95% CI: 1.66-29.62, p = 0.008). The smoothing plot indicated a J-shaped non-linear relationship with an inflection point at an AUDIT score of 15. To the left of this inflection point, no significant relationship was observed, whereas to the right, a positive correlation emerged (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.11-1.74, p < 0.001). The findings reveal a non-linear relationship between alcohol consumption and the probability of depressive symptoms within the Wa ethnic minority in China, with implications for the development of nuanced and effective treatment strategies tailored to this population.

Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India

BackgroundAlcohol consumption in India is below the global average, with limited data on long-term effects. The current study aims to examine changes over time among alcohol consumers, the pattern of drinking and help-seeking for alcohol problems among South Indian men.MethodData on the intake of various alcohol types were collected through standard questionnaires in two adult follow-ups [Baseline: 1998–2002, Follow-up: 2016–2019] from male participants in the Vellore birth cohort (VBC). Alcohol intake was converted to weekly standard drink units for analysis. Data on drinking patterns using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and information on help-seeking among problem drinkers were collected during follow-up. Socio-demographic associations with alcohol consumption were determined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 54.5% and 47.7% at the baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over two decades, 12% of men reported to have newly started drinking and 18% quit drinking. Lower education and lower socio-economic status (SES) were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption. The AUDIT assessment among drinkers reported hazardous drinking of 38.4%, harmful drinking of 4.7% and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence. Among the persons with high AUDIT scores, 25% were concerned about high consumption, and 9% sought help to stop their alcohol consumption.ConclusionOur results showed a decline in alcohol consumption in this cohort over two decades. Among drinkers, a high proportion report hazardous and harmful consumption. Low levels of education and SES are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. A low proportion of help-seeking reflects alcohol-related stigma in the community.

The effectiveness of reduction in alcohol consumption achieved by the provision of non-alcoholic beverages associates with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is commonly used in clinical settings to assess the severity of alcohol-related problems, with the effectiveness of alcohol reduction interventions varying across this spectrum. In a recent study, we demonstrated that a 12-week intervention involving the provision of free non-alcoholic beverages reduced alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers for up to 8 weeks post-intervention. However, it remains unclear whether this effect was consistent across different AUDIT score ranges. Therefore, this secondary analysis aimed to examine whether the severity of alcohol-related problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores, influences the effectiveness of non-alcoholic beverage provision in reducing alcohol consumption.MethodsThis was a single-center, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study. Participants were Japanese individuals who frequently consumed large quantities of alcohol (at least 40 g/day for men and 20 g/day for women) but were not diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group received free non-alcoholic beverages once every 4 weeks over a 12-week period (24 bottles of 350 mL per case, up to three cases per session, for a total of three sessions). Alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage consumption over the previous 4 weeks was tracked using a drinking diary. For this secondary analysis, participants were categorized into four groups based on their AUDIT scores (group 1: ≤ 7 points, group 2: 8–11 points, group 3: 12–14 points, and group 4: ≥ 15 points), and changes in alcohol consumption were compared across these groups in both the intervention and control participants.ResultsThe provision of non-alcoholic beverages significantly increased non-alcoholic beverage consumption in all groups. However, alcohol consumption was significantly reduced in the intervention groups compared to controls only in groups 1–3. The reduction in alcohol consumption was less pronounced in groups 3 and 4 compared to group 1 (both, p < 0.05). Importantly, the provision of non-alcoholic beverages did not lead to an increase in alcohol consumption, even among individuals with higher AUDIT scores.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that individuals with higher AUDIT scores may experience a reduced benefit from a 12-week non-alcoholic beverage intervention in terms of alcohol consumption reduction. Nevertheless, this intervention appears to be a safe and effective strategy for reducing alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers who do not have alcohol dependence.Trial registrationUMIN UMIN000047949. Registered 4 June 2022.

Brief Report: a Cross-Sectional Comparison of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test with a Single Question to Assess Alcohol Use in Fishing Communities of Uganda

AbstractRapid assessment for alcohol use in clinical practice and research is key to improved health and study participation. We assessed the correlation between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score and responses from a single question on frequency of alcohol use among people living in fishing communities of Uganda. Four hundred nineteen participants screened for a simulated vaccine efficacy trial completed the AUDIT and single question. Spearman’s correlation coefficients compared the two tools. There was significant correlation between the AUDIT score and the single question (rho = 0.824, P &lt; 0.001). The single question can be used as an alternative to the full AUDIT during screening.

Effects of Alcohol Use on Patient Retention in HIV Care in East Africa.

We sought to investigate the association between hazardous alcohol use and gaps in care for people living with HIV over a long-term follow-up period. Adults who had participated in our previously published Phase I study of hazardous alcohol use at HIV programs in Kenya and Uganda were eligible at their 42 to 48month follow-up visit. Those who re-enrolled were followed for an additional ~ 12months. Hazardous alcohol use behavior was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) tool. Deidentified clinical data were used to assess gaps in care (defined as failure to return to clinic within 60days after a missed visit). The proportion of patients experiencing a gap in care at a specific time point was based on a nonparametric moment-based estimator. A semiparametric Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the association between hazardous alcohol use at enrollment in Phase I (AUDIT score ≥ 8) and gaps in care. Of the 731 study-eligible participants from Phase I, 5.5% had died, 10.1% were lost to follow-up, 39.5% transferred, 7.5% declined/not approached, and 37.3% were enrolled. Phase II participants were older, had less hazardous drinking and had a lower WHO clinical stage than those not re-enrolled. Hazardous drinking in the re-enrolled was associated with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.88 [p-value = 0.016] for a gap in care. Thus, hazardous alcohol use at baseline was associated with an increased risk of experiencing a gap in care and presents an early target for intervention.

Alcohol use and its associated factors among Ethiopian military personnel

BackgroundStudies indicate that alcohol use is more prevalent in the military and that such use is related to coping mechanisms for stress. Alcohol use could result in health and social...

Endoxifen dual benefits, alleviating symptoms of bipolar disorder, and a potential novel anticraving agent for alcohol dependence: A case series

Abstract: Substance use may be a risk factor and precipitator in episodes of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). BPAD increases vulnerability to substance use as a part of increased risk behavior and/or self-medication, ultimately leading to dependence. Endoxifen is an active metabolite of tamoxifen with a four-fold protein kinase C inhibitory activity. The efficacy of endoxifen is shown in reducing manic symptoms faster and has a safe adverse effect profile.[1] This case series explores the effectiveness of endoxifen in reducing both manic symptoms and alcohol cravings in patients with mania and comorbid alcohol dependence. The severity of mania was monitored using the Young Mania Rating Scale, while alcohol cravings were evaluated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)[2] scores before and after the intervention. All three patients showed a significant reduction in manic symptoms following endoxifen treatment. In addition, there was a significant decrease in AUDIT scores, indicating a reduction in alcohol cravings. These findings suggest that endoxifen may have dual benefits in managing mania and may be a potential anticraving agent.

Moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment is associated with both recent and chronic alcohol misuse in people with HIV: The New Orleans alcohol use in HIV (NOAH) study.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) profoundly impacts the nervous system, leading to neurological deficits including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). HAND represents the most common neurological comorbidity among people with HIV (PWH), and alcohol use may exacerbate cognitive deficits, especially in vulnerable populations. This study investigated relationships between alcohol use and cognition in an underserved cohort of PWH, on the hypothesis that alcohol misuse exacerbates cognitive deficits. Data collected from participants (n = 259; 66.7% male; mean age 52 ± 10 years) enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) study were utilized for cross-sectional analysis. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and alcohol use was comprehensively measured using four metrics: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), 30-day timeline follow back (TLFB), lifetime drinking history, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels. The average MoCA score among participants was 20.7 ± 4.5, with 86.5% demonstrating cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26). Individuals with MoCA scores below 18 (moderately or severely cognitively impaired) had a higher frequency of recent severe alcohol misuse and greater lifetime alcohol consumption. Participants at increased risk for AUD (AUDIT ≥ 16) also had worse global cognition and memory task performance than those with lower AUDIT scores; this was particularly true among those aged 50 and older. Analysis of the MoCA sub-score data indicated that participants with increased AUD risk had impairments in the cognitive domains of language and memory. Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in the NOAH cohort and suggest that alcohol misuse contributes to global cognitive deficits in PWH, especially among individuals aged 50 and older. Further exploration of the impact of alcohol use on specific cognitive domains, including memory and language, should incorporate additional cognitive tasks. These findings highlight the importance of considering alcohol use and AUD risk as significant factors that may exacerbate cognitive deficits in vulnerable populations, including older PWH.

Brief intervention for chronic liver disease patients with alcohol use disorder in a hepatology outpatient unit: Effects and limitations.

It is not uncommon to encounter outpatients in the hepatology department with harmful alcohol habits. When treating such chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, an adequate intervention method for harm reduction of alcohol use, such as brief intervention (BI) or BI and nalmefene, should be considered. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of BI for CLD patients affected by harmful alcohol use. From June 2021 to 2023, 123 Japanese CLD outpatients (hepatitis B virus:hepatitis C virus:alcoholic liver disease:others=32:18:42:31) with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of ≥8 at the initial interview and a repeat interview with AUDIT 9months later were enrolled. Clinical features related to patient behavior following the initial AUDIT interview were retrospectively evaluated, and compared between patients without and with BI treatment. For the non-BI and BI groups, baseline AUDIT score (median 10 [interquartile range (IQR) 9-13] vs. 12 [IQR 10-17], p=0.016) and relative change in AUDIT score (median 0 [IQR -3 to 2] vs. -3 [IQR -7 to 0], p<0.01) showed significant differences, whereas there was no significant difference between the groups for AUDIT score at the time of the second interview (p=0.156). Following BI, significant improvements were observed for items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 of AUDIT (each p<0.05). Patients with an alcohol use disorder as well as those with alcohol dependency who received BI showed a significant decline in AUDIT score, although the score of the follow-up AUDIT indicated continued alcohol use disorder. In addition to BI, medication with nalmefene should be considered, based on individual factors.

Neural responses to reward, threat, and emotion regulation and transition to hazardous alcohol use.

Reward processing and regulation of emotions are thought to impact the development of addictive behaviors. In this study, we aimed to determine whether neural responses during reward anticipation, threat appraisal, emotion reactivity, and cognitive reappraisal predicted the transition from low-level to hazardous alcohol use over a 12-month period. Seventy-eight individuals aged 18-22 with low-level alcohol use [i.e. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score <7] at baseline were enrolled. They completed reward-based and emotion regulation tasks during magnetic resonance imaging to examine reward anticipation, emotional reactivity, cognitive reappraisal, and threat anticipation (in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, superior frontal gyrus, and insula, respectively). Participants completed self-report measures at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up time points to determine if they transitioned to hazardous use (as defined by AUDIT scores ≥8). Of the 57 participants who completed follow-up, 14 (24.6%) transitioned to hazardous alcohol use. Higher baseline AUDIT scores were associated with greater odds of transitioning to hazardous use (odds ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.66, P = .005). Brain activation to reward, threat, and emotion regulation was not associated with alcohol use. Of the neural variables, the amygdala response to negative imagery was numerically larger in young adults who transitioned to hazardous use (g =0.31), but this effect was not significant. Baseline drinking levels were significantly associated with the transition to hazardous alcohol use. Studies with larger samples and longer follow-up should test whether the amygdala response to negative emotional imagery can be used to indicate a future transition to hazardous alcohol use.

Inflammation, Immunonutritive, and Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Men With Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant public health issue associated with serious health risks. This study aims to reveal the relationship between AUD and inflammatory, immunonutritive, and cardiovascular risk markers by evaluating hemogram and biochemistry parameters together in AUD. The data of 54 male patients with AUD and 45 male controls were included in the study. Sociodemographic-clinical data of the participants and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) results were obtained from medical records. Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) was obtained with the platelet x neutrophil/lymphocyte formula; systemic immune response index (SIRI) was obtained with the monocyte x neutrophil/lymphocyte formula, plasma atherogenicity index (AIP) was obtained with the ratio of triglyceride to High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index was obtained with the albumin x lymphocyte/CRP x 104 formula. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) activities, neutrophil, CRP, ferritin, SII, and SIRI levels were significantly higher in those with AUD compared to controls. Laboratory results of those with AUD were consistent with atherogenic dyslipidemia; higher triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and AIP values were found compared to controls. The amount of alcohol consumed was a predictor for high SII, SIRI, and AIP levels. The CALLY index, which evaluates immune function, inflammation, and nutritional status together, was significantly lower in patients compared to controls. The amount of alcohol use and the total AUDIT score were predictors for a low CALLY index. The results of this study support that AUD is a chronic inflammatory psychiatric disorder. We suggest that new inflammatory, immunonutritive, and cardiovascular biomarkersSII, SIRI, AIP, and CALLY index could be promising clinical tools to evaluate the severity, potential complications, and treatment response of AUD.

Intimate partner violence is related to future alcohol use among a nationwide sample of LGBTQIA+ people: Results from The PRIDE Study

BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, aromantic and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities in the United States experience higher rates of alcohol use than the general population. While experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) is thought to lead to increased alcohol use in LGBTQIA+ people, little research has investigated the temporal relationship between IPV and alcohol use in this population. MethodsData from two annual questionnaires of The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality Study (The PRIDE Study) longitudinal cohort (n=3,783) were included. Overall IPV and three sub-types (physical, sexual, and emotional) - measured in 2021 using the extended Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (E-HITS) screening tool - was examined as a predictor of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score in 2022 using multivariable linear regression to assess linear and quadratic associations. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and history of alcohol use. ResultsOne-quarter (24.7%) of respondents reported experiencing past-year IPV in 2021. The mean AUDIT score in 2022 was 3.52 (SD = 4.13). In adjusted models, both linear (B: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.38) and quadratic (B: -0.03, 95% CI: -0.04, -0.01) terms for overall IPV were significantly associated with next-year AUDIT score. These patterns were mirrored in each IPV sub-type, were not attenuated when accounting for relationship characteristics, and were heterogeneous across gender identity groups. ConclusionsThese results provide evidence of a temporal relationship between IPV and alcohol use in LGBTQIA+ communities, suggesting that efforts to prevent and mitigate IPV may help reduce alcohol use disparities in this population.

The Role of Emotion Dysregulation In Problematic Alcohol Use and Coping with Problems

Introduction: Emotional factors are often specified as playing an important role in the context of problematic alcohol use and alcohol addiction. Aims: This study focused on examining the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation, perceived personal problems, and problematic alcohol use. Methods: 374 participants from the general population in Slovenia and Croatia (34.8% men, 65.2% women) with an average age of 44.28 years (range: 26 to 74 years) completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Individual Problems and Strengths Scale (IPS) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form (DERS-SF). Results: A higher level of problematic alcohol use positively correlated with difficulties in emotion regulation and the assessment of individual problems (p ≤ .010). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher AUDIT scores were positively associated with two dimensions of difficulties in emotion regulation: impulse control difficulties (β = 0.22, p = .008) and lack of emotional awareness (β = 0.15, p = .010). Difficulties in emotion regulation completely mediated the effect of individual problems on problematic alcohol use (indirect effect: 0.18, CI [–.06, –.31]; p &lt; .001): higher levels of individual problems contribute to higher levels of problematic alcohol use through the effect of difficulties in emotion regulation. Conclusions: The findings indicate the vulnerability of individuals with difficulties in emotion regulation to problematic alcohol use. Difficulties in emotion regulation are an important factor to consider for understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of alcoholism and problematic alcohol use.

Tobacco and alcohol co-use among people with HIV (PWH) in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction. Although the majority of PWH in the world reside in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the syndemic of tobacco and alcohol use in that region. The purpose of this study was to describe tobacco and alcohol co-use behaviors among PWH in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods. Between June–November 2021, 50 PWH with concurrent tobacco and alcohol use in Nairobi, Kenya were cross-sectionally assessed with a structured interview. Women were intentionally oversampled in order to constitute 50% of the participant group. Participants completed structured interviews by trained research assistants using standardized, culturally appropriate, tobacco use and alcohol use questionnaires. Results. Fifty PWH completed the study. All participants identified as African with a mean age of 40.3 years. Half of the sample were men, half were women, and all participants were engaged in HIV care and were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Mean cigarettes smoked per day was 8.2, and 57% percent reported moderate/high cigarette dependence. The mean alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) score was 18.6, and 84% reported drinking amounts in the hazardous range. Preferred alcoholic beverages were clear spirits (48%), beer (32%), and changaa (12%), a traditional home-brewed liquor made from millet, corn, or sorghum. Younger age, higher depression score, and higher anxiety score were significantly associated with higher AUDIT scores. Conclusions. Tobacco and alcohol co-use in PWH in Nairobi, Kenya is common. This syndemic may require culturally appropriate and tailored treatment approaches, especially those targeting younger health strata and those with comorbid mental illness, to improve health outcomes.

Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders and Self Esteem Levels among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kampala International University's Western Campus, Uganda

This cross-sectional study conducted at Kampala International University's Western Campus (KIU-WC) in Western Uganda aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and assess self-esteem levels among undergraduate students. Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, data were collected from 366 participants to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and self-esteem within the academic environment. Results revealed that 33.1% of participants acknowledged alcohol use, with 18.6% identified as being at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder. Among alcohol users, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT score ≥20) was 33.9%, leading to an overall prevalence of 11% across the entire undergraduate student population. Self-esteem scores ranged from 11 to 30, with a median of 18. Findings indicated that 7.9% of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, while 91% demonstrated normal self-esteem, and 1.1% showcased high self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address alcohol use disorders and promote positive self-esteem among university students in Uganda. Keywords: Prevalence, Alcohol, Disorders, Self-esteem, Undergraduate Students, Uganda.