Current Binge Drinking Research Articles

Witnessing Community Violence, Gun Carrying, and Associations with Substance Use and Suicide Risk Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021

Community violence, including homicides involving firearms, is a significant public health concern. From 2019 to 2020, firearm-related homicides increased by 39% for youths and young adults aged 10-24 years, and rates of suicide by firearm increased by approximately 15% among the same age group. Findings from the nationally representative 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to analyze disparities and correlates of witnessing community violence and gun carrying among a nationally representative sample of high school students. Chi-square tests and logistic regression accounting for the complex sampling of the survey were used to assess demographic differences by student sex, race and ethnicity, age, and sexual identity in ever witnessing community violence, gun carrying in the past 12 months, and their associations with substance use and suicide risk. Measures of substance use included current binge drinking and marijuana use and lifetime prescription opioid misuse and illicit drug use. Suicide risk included seriously considered attempting suicide and attempted suicide in the past 12 months. Overall, approximately 20% of students witnessed community violence and 3.5% of students carried a gun. American Indian or Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic students were more likely to witness community violence and to report carrying a gun than their White peers. Males were more likely to witness community violence and carry a gun than females. Lesbian, gay, or bisexual students were more likely to witness community violence than their heterosexual peers. Also, witnessing community violence consistently was associated with increased odds of gun carrying, substance use, and suicide risk for both males and females and when comparing Black, White, and Hispanic students. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive violence prevention strategies that incorporate health equity to mitigate the effects of violence exposure on substance use and suicide risk among youths.

The prospective association between physical activity and initiation of current substance use among adolescents: Examining the role of school connectedness

Through a range of hypothetical mechanisms physical activity may provide benefits in the prevention of substance use across the lifespan. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prospective association between physical activity and the initiation of current substance use among youth. The secondary objective examined if school connectedness mediated any prospective association. This longitudinal study included grade 9–12 students (n = 3244) with three years of linked data (2017–2020) from the COMPASS study. Multi-level logistic regressions were built to explore the association between changes in physical activity (meeting MVPA guidelines, outside of school sport participation, competitive school sport and non-competitive school sport) and the initiation of current substance use behaviours (cigarette, e-cigarettes, cannabis and binge drinking). Analyses examined if school connectedness mediated the association between physical activity and substance use. Results indicated that females who initiated 60 min of MVPA daily had greater than three times the odds of initiating current cigarette smoking (OR = 3.26 [1.45, 7.33]). Additionally, males who consistently participated in outside-of-school sport had greater than two times the odds of initiating current binge drinking (OR = 2.28 [1.43, 3.63]). Our mediation analysis demonstrated that sport participation may lower current e-cigarette and cannabis use through school connectedness. Overall, there was no evidence that physical activity confers broad, universal benefits in preventing substance use among Canadian youth. However, this is the first work to indicate that sport participation may provide a contextual experience that enhances school connectedness which in turn is associated with substance use prevention.

Predictors of reported alcohol intake during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada among middle-aged and older adults: results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

ObjectiveTo examine proportions and predictors of change in alcohol intake and binge drinking during the first 2 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic among middle-aged and older participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) COVID-19 Questionnaire Study.MethodsA total of 28,559 (67.2% of the potential sample) CLSA participants consented to the study with 24,114 completing the exit survey (fall 2020). Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to examine predictors of change (increase or decrease) in alcohol intake and binge drinking were performed.ResultsAmong alcohol users, 26.3% reported a change in alcohol consumption during the first 10 months of the pandemic. Similar percentages increased (13.0%) or decreased (13.3%) consumption. In our mutually adjusted logistic regression model, odds of change in alcohol intake were greater for younger age, higher income, current cannabis smoker, positive screen for depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The magnitude of all associations for decreased intake was less than that of increased intake, and the directions were opposite for male sex and age. Predictors of current binge drinking (27.9% of alcohol users) included male sex, younger age, higher education and income, cannabis use, depression, and anxiety.ConclusionFactors predictive of potentially worrisome alcohol use (i.e. increased intake, binge drinking) included younger age, sex, greater education and income, living alone, cannabis use, and worse mental health. Some of these factors were also associated with decreased intake, but the magnitudes of associations were smaller. This information may help direct screening efforts and interventions towards individuals at risk for problematic alcohol intake during the pandemic.

Alcohol use during pregnancy: findings from a gender-based violence survey in Mongolia.

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for alcohol use during pregnancy in Mongolia, wherein high-risk alcohol use is prevalent. We analyzed nationwide data from the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survey of Mongolia conducted in 2017. We conducted an analysis restricted to 2714 women who had given birth within 5years of the survey and who had responded to questions about their health-related behaviors during pregnancy. We assessed the association between alcohol use during pregnancy and pregnancy-related factors, including maternal age, educational attainment, history of abortion, smoking during pregnancy, unintended pregnancy, prior experience of sexual and physical violence, physical violence during pregnancy, and current binge drinking while also considering their residential region. Alcohol use during pregnancy was reported in 5.4% of the participating women. Unintended pregnancy for women (OR = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.60, 2.38), abortion history (1.89, 95% CI: 1.60, 2.24), smoking during pregnancy (8.30, 95% CI: 6.60, 10.43), physical violence during pregnancy (2.22, 95% CI: 1.75, 2.81), and being a binge drinker (6.05, 95% CI: 3.63, 10.10) were associated with higher odds of alcohol use during pregnancy. Associations with maternal age, marital status, higher education, or multiparity were not evident. Our finding provides knowledge of risk factors for alcohol drinking among pregnant women and evidence for another harm of gender-based violence. This would contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing antenatal exposure to alcohol in Mongolia.

Spotlight on Juvenile Justice: Understanding Neurodevelopment

It has long been known that risk taking is common among adolescents. Data also suggests that delinquency and violence are relatively common experiences for American youth. For instance, 696,6201 of the roughly 25 million youth aged 12-17 living in the United States2 were arrested in 2019. However, survey data suggest delinquency and violence among youth is even more widespread. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance – United States 2019, 21.9% of high school students were in physical fights, 8.2% experienced sexual dating violence, and 4.4% carried a gun. In the same study, 29.2% of high school students reported current alcohol consumption, 13.7% reported current binge drinking, 5.4% reported driving under the influence of alcohol, 8.9% attempted suicide, 11.9% did not use any method to prevent pregnancy during last sexual intercourse, and 6.5% rarely or never wore a seat belt.3 Mortality data reflects broad risk-taking behavior; for the same year, the leading causes of death among US adolescents aged 15-19 were accidents, suicide, and homicide.4

Food Insecurity and Its Association With Alcohol and Other Substance Use Among High School Students in the United States.

Studies show that food insecurity is associated with adverse health behaviors for children and adults. However, published data among adolescents are limited. The objective of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and substance use behaviors among US high school students. Data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 10 states were combined to examine the association between household food insecurity and adolescent use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioid misuse, and illicit drugs using logistic regression. Among surveyed respondents, 12.3% of high school students reported experiencing food insecurity. In unadjusted analyses, the prevalence of substance use was higher among students with food insecurity compared to food secure students: current binge drinking (16.2% vs 11.5%), current marijuana use (24.0% vs 16.2%), lifetime prescription opioid misuse (21.3% vs 12.6%), and lifetime use of illicit drugs (12.3% vs 5.0%) (all p < .05). In adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with lifetime prescription opioid misuse and lifetime use of illicit drugs (aPR 1.38 and 1.70, respectively). Students with food insecurity are a potential group at a higher rise of substance misuse and may benefit from prevention programs designed to address their needs.

Investigating Relationships Among Distress Tolerance, PTSD Symptom Severity, and Alcohol Use

Exposure to trauma (particularly interpersonal trauma), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and low distress tolerance (DT; the ability to tolerate negative internal states), are all related to risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD). The aim of this study was to examine the main and interactive effects of PTSD symptom severity and DT in relation to current (past 30-day) alcohol consumption and binge drinking among emerging adult men and women with a history of sexual/physical assault. Participants were 572 undergraduate students (66% women) with a history of physical/sexual assault endorsing past month alcohol use. Participants completed the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5), and an abbreviated Timeline Followback Questionnaire (TLFB), which assessed past 30-day total alcohol consumption (i.e., total number of drinks) and binge drinking frequency (i.e., 5+ drinks [4+ for women]). Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that male sex, higher trauma load (i.e., total number of trauma categories endorsed), and higher PTSD symptom severity were associated with both higher number of total drinks and higher frequency of binge drinking episodes. However, DT was not associated with either alcohol outcome when PTSD symptom severity was entered in the models. The interaction of PTSD symptom severity and DT was not significantly associated with total alcohol consumption or binge drinking. These results highlight the importance of investigating the unique contributions of PTSD symptoms and DT (as well as other transdiagnostic cognitive-affective constructs) in the onset and maintenance of AUD.

Prescription Opioid Misuse and Use of Alcohol and Other Substances Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019.

Adolescence is an important period of risk for substance use initiation and substance use–related adverse outcomes. To examine youth substance use trends and patterns, CDC analyzed data from the 2009–2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. This report presents estimated prevalence of current (i.e., previous 30-days) marijuana use, prescription opioid misuse, alcohol use, and binge drinking and lifetime prevalence of marijuana, synthetic marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, injection drug use, and prescription opioid misuse among U.S. high school students. Logistic regression and Joinpoint analyses were used to assess 2009–2019 trends. Prevalence of current and lifetime substance use by demographics, frequency of use, and prevalence of co-occurrence of selected substances among students reporting current prescription opioid misuse are estimated using 2019 data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine demographic and substance use correlates of current prescription opioid misuse. Current alcohol, lifetime cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and injection drug use decreased during 2009–2019. Lifetime use of synthetic marijuana (also called synthetic cannabinoids) decreased during 2015–2019. Lifetime marijuana use increased during 2009–2013 and then decreased during 2013–2019. In 2019, 29.2% reported current alcohol use, 21.7% current marijuana use, 13.7% current binge drinking, and 7.2% current prescription opioid misuse. Substance use varied by sex, race/ethnicity, grade, and sexual minority status (lesbian, gay, or bisexual). Use of other substances, particularly current use of alcohol (59.4%) and marijuana (43.5%), was common among students currently misusing prescription opioids. Findings highlight opportunities for expanding evidence-based prevention policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors related to youth substance use, in conjunction with ongoing initiatives for combating the opioid crisis.

Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury With Loss of Consciousness and the Likelihood for Lifetime Depression and Risk Behaviors: 2017 BRFSS North Carolina.

Because of the growing concern about the potential effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on a child's developing brain and the potential impact of lifetime depression and risk behaviors associated with TBI, further exploration is warranted. Data (N = 4917) from the 2017 North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS). Cross-sectional. Examine whether a lifetime history of TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC) or having a history of TBI with LOC prior to 18 years of age was associated with a greater likelihood of lifetime depression, current binge drinking, and current cigarette and e-cigarette smoking. Respondents with a history of TBI with LOC had 2.1 (95% CI, 1.6-2.8) times higher odds of lifetime depression and 1.7 to 1.8 (95% CI, 1.02-2.97) times higher odds of all risk behaviors than those without a lifetime history of TBI with LOC. There were no statistical differences between age of first TBI with LOC and lifetime depression, binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and e-cigarette use after controlling for key demographics. These findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness among healthcare providers of the prevalence of lifetime depression and risk behaviors among individuals with a history of TBI and the need for improved screening and referrals to evidence-based services.

Binge Drinking and Educational Participation among Youth in the COMPASS Host Study (Year 5: 2016/2017): School Connectedness and Flourishing as Compensatory Factors

The current study investigated resilience factors influencing the associations between binge drinking and measures of educational participation among Canadian youth. Self reported data were collected during the 2016/2017 school year from 5238 students in Grades 9 through 12 (2744 females, 2494 males) attending 14 secondary schools in Ontario and British Columbia as part of the COMPASS study. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships between binge drinking, school connectedness and flourishing on measures of educational participation. Binge drinking was associated with increased likelihood of skipping classes, going to class without completing homework, lower Math and English scores, and having educational and/or training expectations and aspirations beyond high school only. Decreased flourishing was linked to increased likelihood of going to class with incomplete homework, lower Math and English scores, and decreased likelihood of aspiring and expecting to achieve education and/or training beyond high school only. Increased school connectedness was associated with decreased likelihood of skipping classes and going to class with incomplete homework, higher Math and English scores, and increased the likelihood of aspiring to and expecting to achieve education and/or training beyond high school only. Lower flourishing was additive in its effect on current binge drinking in negatively impacting class attendance and homework completion and academic performance, while higher school connectedness was compensatory in its effect on these outcomes. This study suggests that, for high school students who are susceptible to binge drinking, those who are more connected to school and have a higher sense of wellbeing can maintain active participation in school and achieve their educational goals.

Binge Drinking and Educational Participation among Youth in the COMPASS Host Study (Year 5: 2016/2017): School Connectedness and Flourishing as Compensatory Factors

The current study investigated resilience factors influencing the associations between binge drinking and measures of educational participation among Canadian youth. Self-reported data were collected during the 2016/2017 school year from 5238 students in Grades 9 through 12 (2744 females, 2494 males) attending 14 secondary schools in Ontario and British Columbia as part of the COMPASS study. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships between binge drinking, school connectedness and flourishing on measures of educational participation. Binge drinking was associated with increased likelihood of skipping classes, going to class without completing homework, lower Math and English scores, and having educational and/or training expectations and aspirations beyond high school only. Decreased flourishing was linked to increased likelihood of going to class with incomplete homework, lower Math and English scores, and decreased likelihood of aspiring and expecting to achieve education and/or training beyond high school only. Increased school connectedness was associated with decreased likelihood of skipping classes and going to class with incomplete homework, higher Math and English scores, and increased the likelihood of aspiring to and expecting to achieve education and/or training beyond high school only. Lower flourishing was additive in its effect on current binge drinking in negatively impacting class attendance and homework completion and academic performance, while higher school connectedness was compensatory in its effect on these outcomes. This study suggests that, for high school students who are susceptible to binge drinking, those who are more connected to school and have a higher sense of wellbeing can maintain active participation in school and achieve their educational goals.

Screening for Alcohol Use and Brief Counseling of Adults - 13 States and the District of Columbia, 2017.

Binge drinking* is a leading preventable public health problem. From 2006 to 2010, binge drinking contributed to approximately 49,000 annual deaths resulting from acute conditions (e.g., injuries and violence) (1). Binge drinking also increases the risk for adverse health conditions, including some chronic diseases (e.g., breast cancer) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (2). In 2004, 2013, and again in 2018, for all U.S. adults aged ≥18 years in primary care, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended alcohol screening and brief intervention (alcohol SBI) or counseling for persons whose screening indicated drinking in excess of recommended limits or in ways that increase risk for poor health outcomes (3-5). However, previous CDC surveillance data indicate that patients report rarely talking to their provider about alcohol use,† and alcohol SBI is traditionally delivered through conversation. CDC recently analyzed 2017 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey's five-question module, which asked adults in 13 states§ and the District of Columbia (DC) about the delivery of alcohol SBI during their most recent checkup in the past 2 years. Overall, 81.4% of adults (age-standardized estimate) reported being asked about alcohol use by a health professional in person or on a form during a checkup in the past 2 years, but only 37.8% reported being asked a question about binge-level alcohol consumption, which is included on USPSTF recommended instruments (3). Among module respondents who were asked about alcohol use at a checkup in the past 2 years and reported current binge drinking (past 30 days) at time of survey, only 41.7% were advised about the harms of drinking too much at a checkup in the past 2 years, and only 20.1% were advised to reduce or quit drinking at a checkup in the past 2 years. These findings suggest that missed opportunities remain for health care providers to intervene with patients who report binge drinking. Working to implement alcohol SBI at a systems level, including the provision of the new Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS) measure, Unhealthy Alcohol Use Screening and Follow-Up, can improve alcohol SBI's use and benefit in primary care.

Substance use, affective symptoms, and suicidal ideation among Russian, Somali, and Kurdish migrants in Finland.

Comorbidity of substance use with affective symptoms and suicidality has been well documented in the general population. However, population-based migrant studies about this association are scarce. We examined the association of affective symptoms and suicidal ideation with binge drinking, daily smoking, and lifetime cannabis use among Russian, Somali, and Kurdish migrants in comparison with the Finnish general population. Cross-sectional data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu, n = 1307) and comparison group data of the general Finnish population (n = 860) from the Health 2011 Survey were used. Substance use included self-reported current binge drinking, daily smoking, and lifetime cannabis use. Affective symptoms and suicidal ideation were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses, including age, gender, and additional socio-demographic and migration-related factors. Suicidal ideation (OR 2.4 95% CI 1.3–4.3) was associated with binge drinking among Kurds and lifetime cannabis use among Russians (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.9–17.0) and Kurds (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.9–15.6). Affective symptoms were associated with daily smoking (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.02–2.6) and lifetime cannabis use (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.6–14.5) among Kurdish migrants. Our results draw attention to the co-occurrence of suicidal ideation, affective symptoms, and substance use, especially among Kurdish migrants. These results highlight the variation of comorbidity of substance use and affective symptoms between the different populations. This implies that screening for substance use in mental healthcare cannot be neglected based on presumed habits of substance use.

Sex Differences in Problem Alcohol Use in High School as a Function of Recent Sexual Violence Victimization or Perpetration

To investigate sex differences in associations between sexual violence victimization (SVV), sexual violence perpetration (SVP), and binge drinking and/or alcohol problems among high school students. While SVV has been linked to problem alcohol use among young women, little research has addressed the unique associations of SVV and SVP on alcohol use/problems within both sexes. A cross-sectional analysis of 16,992 high school students’ self-reports of past-year SVP and SVV was used where SVV/SVP was defined by three tactics (sexual coercion, drug/alcohol-facilitated or incapacitated sex, and physically forced sex). Alcohol measures included past-month binge drinking and past-year alcohol problems. Rates of SVV were twice as high in females (21.2% vs. 13.3%), and SVP rates were twice as high in males (10.9% vs. 5.2%). SVV and SVP were each associated with an increased rate of current binge drinking and problem alcohol use for both sexes, across increasing numbers of SV tactics and within each of three tactics. After controlling for demographic and other risk factors including SVP, drug/alcohol-facilitated or incapacitated SVV was more strongly linked to binge drinking and alcohol problems among females. SVP was more strongly linked to binge drinking and alcohol problems among males (adjusting for SVV and other covariates). No sex differences emerged in associations between coerced or physically forced SVV/SVP and alcohol-related outcomes. Both SVV and SVP are associated with an increased likelihood of binge drinking and alcohol problems for males and females. Important sex differences emerged when SV tactics are considered.

Age at first alcohol use predicts current alcohol use, binge drinking and mixing of alcohol with energy drinks among Ontario Grade 12 students in the COMPASS study.

This study investigates the influence of age at first use of alcohol on current alcohol use and associated behaviours in a large sample of Canadian youth. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among Ontario Grade 12 students enrolled in the COMPASS Host Study between 2012 and 2017. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) modelling to determine associations between age at first alcohol use and likelihood of current versus non-current alcohol use, binge drinking and mixing of alcohol with energy drinks among respondents. Students reporting an age at first alcohol use between ages 13 and 14 years were more likely to report current alcohol use versus non-current use (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.26-3.45) and current binge drinking versus non-current binge drinking (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 2.45-4.25) compared to students reporting first alcohol use at age 18 years or older. Students who started drinking at 8 years of age or younger were more likely to report current versus non-current alcohol use (OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.83-4.43), binge drinking (OR = 3.99, 95% CI: 2.97-5.37), and mixing of alcohol with energy drinks (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.23-4.14), compared to students who started drinking at 18 years or older. Starting to drink alcohol in the early teen years predicted current alcohol use, current binge drinking and mixing of alcohol with energy drinks when students were in Grade 12. Findings indicate a need for development of novel alcohol prevention efforts.

Mind the Gap: Bridging the Divide Between Current Binge Drinking Prevention and the Needs of Hispanic Underage Emerging Adults.

In this article, we highlight the urgent public health need for prevention of heavy episodic drinking among underage Hispanic emerging adults in the USA. We outline the current state of binge drinking prevention programming and contrast it with the unique cultural, social, and developmental realities of this population using an ecodevelopmental framework (Szapocznik and Coatsworth 1999). Finally, we advance specific recommendations for the development and delivery of culturally tailored, multisystemic binge drinking prevention programs for underage Hispanic emerging adults.

Relationship Dynamics in the Context of Binge Drinking and Polydrug Use Among Same-Sex Male Couples in Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago.

An estimated one- to two-thirds of incident HIV infections among U.S. men who have sex with men (MSM) occur within the context of a primary relationship. The existing, yet limited, literature on sexual risk behavior among same-sex couples suggests that MSM with main partners are more often to report having lower perceived HIV risk, higher unrecognized HIV infection, and increased frequency of condomless anal intercourse with their primary partner. Furthermore, numerous studies document the strong relationship between polydrug use and binge drinking with HIV infection among MSM. However, more research is needed that identifies how individual- and relationship-level factors are related to polydrug use and binge drinking in the context of same-sex male relationships. We used baseline data collected as part of a prospective randomized controlled trial of 160 same-sex male couples (total N = 320 individuals). In 2015, recruitment commenced in three U.S. cities: Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, and Chicago, IL. Participants completed a self-report assessment using an audio-computer-assisted self-interview system during their baseline enrollment visit. We collected information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, drug and alcohol use, individual- and relationship-level variables of interest, as well as relationship quality. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit for three different categories of polydrug use and of binge drinking for which (1) both partners exhibited the behavior, (2) only the respondent exhibited the behavior, or (3) only the partner exhibited the behavior. Participants' age ranged from 18 to 69 (M = 35.9). The sample majority (77.5%) was White (248/320), with 12.2% Black (39/320) and 10.3% Multiracial (33/320); 68.4% had completed a college degree; and 9.6% were unemployed. A high proportion (62.2%) reported any drug use, including marijuana; 45% reported using drugs other than marijuana; and 18.1% reported polydrug use. Overall, 22.2% reported current binge drinking. Age discordance and being in a long-term relationship (6 or more years) were associated with a decreased odds of polydrug use among couples; being in an interracial dyad, recent history of arrest, living with HIV, and self-reported clinically significant depressive symptoms were associated with an increased odds of polydrug use. Additionally, being the older partner and reporting higher levels of internalized homophobia decreased odds for binge drinking, while recent history of arrest, living with HIV, and feeling more loved in their relationship were associated with an increased odds of binge drinking. Findings have implications for developing interventions to reduce substance use and promote health among same-sex male couples. Future research would benefit by using longitudinal study designs to understand the individual-, relationship-, and structural-level factors that potentiate polydrug use and binge drinking among same-sex male couples.

Consumo excesivo episódico de alcohol: cambio natural en estudiantes universitarios

Abstract Binge drinking can be quit without formal help; however, there is not enough information on this fact, especially in young people who adopt this kind of consumption. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of natural change regarding binge drinking and explore its relationship with alcohol related problems and other individual characteristics in university students. In a random sample of 828 students, we assessed past or current binge drinking, alcohol related problems, use of other psychoactive substances, gender and marital status. The prevalence of natural change reached 7%. Quiting binge drinking implied a smaller probability of psychic problems, alcohol induced blackouts, injuries and consumption of other substances as well as a greater probability of finding a partner. The role of the severity of the consequences in the natural change in consumption, possible protection factors and potential interventions are discussed.

Latent class analysis of substance use and predictors of latent class membership among adolescents in the Republic of Korea

ABSTRACTPurpose: We aimed to investigate substance use patterns and identify predictors of homogeneous subgroups of adolescent substance users.Methods: We analyzed nationally representative secondary data collected from Korean adolescents (N = 72,435). To investigate substance use patterns, we conducted latent class analysis using seven behaviors linked to alcohol, cigarette, and e-cigarette use. After choosing the best latent class model, we investigated predictors of latent class membership (LCM) for substance use, using demographics and mental health conditions.Results: A four-latent class model best fit the data. Non-users (74%) had low likelihoods of reporting lifetime and current use of alcohol, cigarette, and e-cigarette. Experimenters (10%) had high likelihoods of reporting lifetime alcohol and cigarette use. Current drinkers (10%) had high likelihoods of reporting lifetime and current alcohol use. Multi-substance users (6%) had high likelihoods of reporting lifetime and current use of alcohol and cigarettes, lifetime e-cigarette use, and current binge drinking. Additionally, demographics (gender, grades, socioeconomic status, co-residence with family members, and grade point average) and mental health conditions (depression, suicidal ideation, and subjective unhappiness) successfully predicted LCM.Conclusions: In developing interventions for addressing substance-related issues, health professionals should focus on adolescent substance use patterns and take into account factors predicting LCM.

Abstract B55: Distinct health behavior and psychosocial profiles of young adult cancer survivors: A mixed methods study

Abstract Background: Young adult cancer survivors do not respond similarly to the experience of cancer. Thus, we investigated health behavior profiles of young adult cancer survivors and characterize associated sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed sociodemographics, cancer treatment, health behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, tobacco use, physical activity [PA]), healthcare provider interaction, and psychosocial factors for 106 participants from a southeastern cancer center. In-depth semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of 26 participants were conducted. Results: For the quantitative study, participants were 22.13 (SD=3.18) years old; 51.0% (n=53) male; and 78.8% (n=82) White. They had the following diagnoses: Hodgkin's lymphoma (23.1%); non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (8.7%); Burkitt's lymphoma (3.8%); acute lymphoblastic leukemia (16.3%); acute myelogenous leukemia (2.9%); blastoma (5.8%); sarcoma (10.6%); thyroid cancer (9.6%); and other (19.2%). Average time since diagnosis was 8.42 (SD=5.73) years. A k-means cluster analysis indicated three distinct clusters based on health behavior profiles that corresponded to high, moderate, and low risk behaviors. The clusters differed significantly in relation to current alcohol use, binge drinking, tobacco use, marijuana use, PA, and number of sex partners (p's&amp;lt;0.001). The High Risk group (n=25) had the highest current use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana and the most past-year sexual partners (p's&amp;lt;0.001). However, they had the greatest PA (p&amp;lt;0.001). The High Risk cluster was older than the Low Risk group but younger than Moderate Risk group, and gender composition was mostly male. Compared to the other groups, the High Risk were more likely to have significant depressive symptoms per the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 item (p=0.052) and had the highest Profile of Moods States (POMS) scores for tension-anxiety (p=0.004), depression-dejection (p=0.018), fatigue-inertia (p=0.033), and confusion-bewilderment (p=0.022). The Moderate Risk group (n=39) had the lowest levels of PA (p&amp;lt;0.001) but was not distinct regarding the other health behaviors. They were the oldest (p&amp;lt;0.001), most likely to be female (p=0.005), were the most likely to be employed (p=0.012), were least likely to be on their parent's insurance (p=0.012), and had the most time lapse since their initial diagnosis (p&amp;lt;0.001). This group also had the least depressive symptoms (p=0.052). The Low Risk group (n=40) reported the lowest current alcohol use, binge drinking, tobacco use, and marijuana use, as well as the lowest number of past-year sexual partners (p's&amp;lt;0.001). This group was the youngest (p&amp;lt;0.001), the most likely to be students (p=0.012), the most likely to be on public insurance (p=0.012), and the most recently diagnosed (p&amp;lt;0.001). This cluster had the lowest POMS scores for tension-anxiety (p=0.004), depression-dejection (p=0.018), fatigue-inertia (p=0.033), and confusion-bewilderment (p=0.022). In qualitative interviews, participants reported that their experience with cancer decreased positively or negatively affected their health behaviors, and some reported no impact. Some participants reported minimal or no assessment or intervention related to substance use, physical activity, or nutrition. On the other hand, some reported that providers assessed and intervened on these health behaviors. Many participants expressed interest in having up-to-date information and education available through various reputable sources. Participants discussed a variety of communication channels and the need for expertise and reliability of the material presented. Conclusions: Greater efforts should be made by providers to routinely and systematically examine substance use, PA, and nutrition as well as mental health and social support among this population. In addition, disseminable and cost-effective programs to support providers in doing so are needed. Citation Format: Carla J. Berg, Kincaid Lowe, Cam Escoffery, Ann Mertens. Distinct health behavior and psychosocial profiles of young adult cancer survivors: A mixed methods study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B55.