Disorders Identification Test Research Articles

Changes in alcohol consumption among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic - results from POLLEK study.

Social distancing and remote learning as one of the ways to fight against COVID-19 pandemic have affected universities and changed the lifestyle of many students. Psychoactive substances use was one of the way to deal with the anxiety caused by these new settings. Studies published so far have not provided a clear answer on whether COVID-19 leads to changes in the structure of alcohol consumption among medical students. The presented study attempted to answer this question based on the data available from the POLLEK study. The study group included 3 separate groups of medical students (recruited in the following academic years: 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022) with a total number of 899 students. To assess the characteristics of alcohol consumption the authors used a Polish version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Students surveyed during the lockdown lived in the family home much more often, reported good health, and declared consumption of a smaller number of alcoholic beverages. Their AUDIT scores were statistically significantly (p = 0.04) lower compared to the group surveyed before the pandemic (5 vs. 6, respectively). There were no significant differences in the AUDIT results between other study periods. Lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with a decrease in alcohol intake among medical students. This may be due to a different place of residence of students, a family home rather than a dormitory. However, the debate on this topic seems to be still open. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):406-16.

Relationships between drinking habits, psychological resilience, and salivary cortisol responses on the Trier Social Stress Test-Online among Japanese people

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether individual differences in resilience interacted with those in alcohol consumption habits in situations involving exposure to psychosocial stressors (Trier Social Stress Test-Online; TSST-OL). Additionally, we investigated whether individuals exhibiting resilience in their psychological scale scores showed biological responses that could be interpreted as resilience in stressful situations, such as the TSST-OL. We hypothesized that there would be no association between drinking habits and stress responses in the high-resilience group. Furthermore, high drinking habits would be associated with high stress responses in the low-resilience group.MethodsWe recruited 22 and 20 individuals from the high and low-resilience groups, respectively, from among those who completed the online survey comprising the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and resilience scales; we excluded individuals with AUDIT scores of 15 or higher, and divided them by the median total resilience scale score. During the TSST-OL, self-rated stress measurement and saliva sample collection were performed seven times. Frozen samples were collected at the Tokyo site, and salivary hormonal (cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone) levels were measured after transport in frozen state. Finally, 36 participants were included in the analysis of self-rated stress and cortisol levels.ResultsWe observed the typical subjective stress responses to the TSST-OL. People with higher psychological scale scores for resilience traits showed significantly higher salivary cortisol levels than those with lower scores. Due to deficiencies in the survey and experimental design, the classification criteria were changed and an exploratory analysis was performed to investigate the interaction of individual differences in resilience and drinking habits. In contrast to our expectation, those with low resilience scores showed stress responses, regardless of their drinking habits. Furthermore, those with high resilience and drinking habits showed a specific insensitivity to salivary cortisol levels. Their self-rated stress scores were similar to those of other groups.ConclusionsOur study showed the applicability of the TSST-OL in the Japanese population, the individual relationship between psychological resilience measures and biological stress responses, and a specific insensitivity in the salivary cortisol response as a result of individual differences in high resilience and drinking habits.

The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder among adult males: a randomized controlled trial comparing with acceptance and commitment therapy and treatment as usual.

This multicenter, three-armed, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) primarily aims to compare the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) with that of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and treatment as usual (TAU) to depreciate the degree of alcohol craving among alcohol use disorder patients who have undergone in-patient detoxification across four timelines (t0 = baseline prior to intervention, t1 = 4 weeks after baseline, t2 = 12 weeks after baseline, and t3 = 24 weeks after baseline). The secondary aims of this RCT are to compare the efficacy of VRET with that of ACT and TAU to alleviate the severity of alcohol use disorder, dissipate comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and normalize event-related potential (ERP) in electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring across the four timelines. Initially, after 2 weeks of in-patient detoxification, 120 patients with alcohol use disorder will be randomized into three groups (VRET, ACT, and TAU control groups) via stratified permuted block randomization in a 1:1:1 ratio. Baseline assessment (t0) commences, whereby all the participants will be administered with sociodemographic, clinical, and alcohol use characteristics questionnaire, such as Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), while event-related potential (ERP) detection in electroencephalogram (EEG) will also be carried out. Then, 4 weeks of VRET, ACT, and non-therapeutic supportive activities will be conducted in the three respective groups. For the subsequent three assessment timelines (t1, t2, and t3), the alcohol use characteristic questionnaire, such as AUDIT, PACS, HAM-D, HAM-A, and ERP monitoring, will be re-administered to all participants. As data on the effects of non-pharmacological interventions, such as VRET and ACT, on the treatment of alcohol craving and preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder are lacking, this RCT fills the research gap by providing these important data to treating clinicians. If proven efficacious, the efficacy of VRET and ACT for the treatment of other substance use disorders should also be investigated in future. NCT05841823 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Symptoms of sexuality-related disorders in the group of overweight and obese women.

The aim of the study was to assess the presence of symptoms of sexuality-related disorders (S-RD) in a group of overweight and obese women and the relationship of these symptoms with maladaptive attitudes and beliefs about food, the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, difficulties in emotional regulation, and the general quality of life. The study group (SG) consisted of 44 overweight/obese women, the control group (CG) consisted of 51 women with normal body weight, all aged 18-40 years. The following were used: Sexological Questionnaire, Eating Attitude Test, Eating Beliefs Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire. SG showed more severe S-RD symptoms, including sexual dysfunctions and sexual preferences disorders, as compared to CG. In the SG there were more significant correlations between S-RD and the studied variables, especially in the area of difficulties with emotional regulation. Negative and permissive dietary beliefs were significant for S-RD in SG, while positive beliefs were significant in CG. Additionally, the number of S-RD symptoms predicted the quality of life. e results indicate a relationship between excessive body weight and greater severity of S-RD symptoms, as well as a relationship between the symptoms of S-RD with clinical variables and with the quality of life. Further research exploring the mechanisms of the observed relationships is necessary.

Sensory processing and alcohol use in adults with autism spectrum disorder

The association between substance use and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex. Although sensory processing difficulties are highly prevalent in individuals with ASD, data on the association between sensory processing and substance use in ASD are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between sensory processing patterns and alcohol use in adults with ASD. Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed on questionnaire data (Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption) of 101 adults with ASD. Sensory processing difficulties are associated with alcohol use in adults with ASD. Differences in sensory processing between alcohol-based subgroups vary per specific sensory processing pattern: drinkers reported 6.5 to 8 points higher levels of low registration [χ2(2) = 12.408, p = .002, 99 % CI (.002.002)], non-hazardous drinkers reported 9 points higher levels of sensory sensitivity [χ2(2) = 6.868, p = .031, 99 % CI (.031, .032)], and hazardous drinkers reported 7.5 points higher levels of sensory seeking [χ2(2) = 6.698, p = .034, 99 % CI (.034, .035)], all in comparison with non-drinkers on scales ranging from 15 to 75. Our proof-of-concept study indicates that vulnerability in some individuals with ASD for substance use disorders might be explained by sensory processing difficulties. Whether alcohol is used as ‘self-medication’ or is associated with other neurobiological vulnerabilities needs further investigation in larger follow-up studies.

Self-report methodology for quantifying standardized cannabis consumption in milligrams delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

ABSTRACTBackground: There is currently no format-independent method to determine delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in milligrams for self-report studies.Objectives: Validate self-report method for quantifying mg THC from commercially available cannabis products using product labeling, which includes both net weight and product potency.Methods: 53 adult cannabis users (24 M, 29F), 21–39 years of age (M = 28.38, SD = 4.15), were instructed to report daily use via a weekly survey for two consecutive weeks, provide product label photographs, abstain from use for 24 h, submit a urine sample and complete the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test – Revised (CUDIT-R) and the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire – Short Form (MCQ-SF). Milligrams of THC were determined by multiplying quantity of product used by its THC concentration. Urine was analyzed for the urine metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH) via liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. THC and THC-COOH values were log10 transformed prior to correlational analyses.Results: Median daily THC consumption was 102.53 mg (M = 203.68, SD = 268.13). Thirty-three (62%) of the 53 participants reported using two or more formats over the 2-week period. There was a significant positive correlation between log10 THC-COOH and log10 THC mg (r(41) = .59, p < .001), log10 THC mg and MCQ-SF score (r(41) = .59, p < .001), and log10 THC mg dose and CUDIT-R score, (r(41) = .39, p = .010).Conclusion: Our label-based methodology provides consumption information across all modalities of cannabis use in standard units that can be combined across products for calculation of dose. It is a viable and valid method for quantifying mg of THC consumed and can be utilized in any region where cannabis is legal, and labeling is regulated.

Alcohol Use Predicts Face Perception Impairments and Difficulties in Face Recognition

Background: Risky alcohol use is related to a variety of cognitive impairments, including memory and visuo-perceptual difficulties. Remarkably, no prior work has assessed whether usage of alcohol can predict difficulties perceiving facial identity. Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether riskier alcohol consumption predicted impairments in face perception and self-reported difficulties in face recognition. Results: Participants (N = 239, male = 77) were over 18 years old and had normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), while face recognition difficulties were determined by the 20-item Prosopagnosia Index questionnaire (PI20). A subsample of participants (N = 126, male = 51) completed the Cambridge Face Perception task (CFPT) to assess their face perception ability. Multiple linear regressions showed significant models of prediction on both face perception and face recognition when considering AUDIT score and age as predictors. Conclusion: This study suggested, for the first time, that risky alcohol use predicts both poorer visuo-perceptual processing for faces and self-reported difficulties in face recognition.

Symptoms and Engagement in Anti-social Behavior 10 Years After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Within a Community Civilian Sample: A Prospective Cohort Study With Age-Sex Matched Control Group

ObjectiveTo determine if there are longer-term effects on symptoms, health status, mood, and behavior 10 years after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). DesignProspective cohort study. SettingCommunity-based, civilian sample. ParticipantsAdults aged ≥16 years at follow-up who experienced an mTBI 10 years ago, and an age and sex-matched non-injured control group. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresmTBI cases and controls were asked to complete self-report assessments of functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule Version 2), symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire), health status (100-point scale), alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and substance use (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test), and whether they had engaged in any anti-social behaviors over the past 12 months. ResultsData were analyzed for 368 participants (184 mTBI cases and 184 age-sex matched controls). Just over a third of mTBI cases (64, 34.8%) reported that they were still affected by their index mTBI 10 years later. After adjusting for education and ethnicity, the mTBI group had statistically higher overall symptom burden (F=22.32, P<.001, ηp2=0.07) compared with controls. This difference remained after excluding those who experienced a recurrent TBI. The mTBI group were more than 3 times as likely to have engaged in anti-social behavior during the previous 12 months (F=5.89, P=.02). There were no group differences in health status, functioning, or problematic alcohol or substance use 10 years post-injury. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of potential longer-term associations between mTBI, post-concussion symptoms, and anti-social behavior which warrants further evaluation. Future research should also examine if longer-term effects may be preventable with access to early rehabilitation post-injury.

Alcohol and smoking brief interventions by socioeconomic position: a population-based, cross-sectional study in Great Britain.

Alcohol and smoking brief interventions (BIs) in general practice have been shown to be effective in lowering alcohol and smoking-related harm. To assess prevalence of self-reported BI receipt among increasing or higher-risk drinkers and past-year smokers in England, Scotland, and Wales, and associations between intervention receipt and socioeconomic position. Cross-sectional study using data from a monthly population-based survey in England, Scotland, and Wales. The study comprised 47 799 participants (15 573 increasing or higher-risk drinkers [alcohol use disorders identification test consumption score ≥5] and 7791 past-year smokers) surveyed via telephone in 2020-2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). All data were self-reported. Prevalence of self-reported BI receipt was assessed descriptively; associations between receipt and socioeconomic position were analysed using logistic regression. Among adults in England, Scotland, and Wales, 32.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 31.8 to 32.7) reported increasing or higher-risk drinking and 17.7% (95% CI = 17.3 to 18.1) past-year smoking. Among increasing or higher-risk drinkers, 58.0% (95% CI = 57.1 to 58.9) consulted with a GP in the past year, and of these, 4.1% (95% CI = 3.6 to 4.6) reported receiving BIs. Among past-year smokers, 55.8% (95% CI = 54.5 to 57.1) attended general practice in the past year; of these, 41.0% (95% CI = 39.4 to 42.7) stated receiving BIs. There was a tendency for patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to receive more alcohol (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.73) or smoking BIs (aOR 1.11, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.26), but for the latter the results were statistically non-significant. Results did not differ notably by nation within Great Britain. BIs in general practice are more common for smoking than for alcohol. A greater proportion of BIs for alcohol were found to be delivered to people who were from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and who were increasing or higher-risk drinkers.

ReACH2Gether: Iterative Development of a Couples-Based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV and Their Partners.

Unhealthy alcohol use, which encompasses heavy episodic drinking to alcohol use disorder, has been identified as a modifiable barrier to optimal HIV care continuum outcomes. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of couples-based interventions for addressing unhealthy alcohol use, there are no existing couples-based alcohol interventions designed specifically for people living with HIV. This study presents the development and refinement of a three-session couples-based motivational intervention (ReACH2Gether) to address unhealthy alcohol use among a sample of 17 sexual minority men living with HIV and their partners living in the United States. To increase potential population reach, the intervention was delivered entirely remotely. Throughout an original and a modified version, results indicated that the ReACH2Gether intervention was acceptable and there were no reports of intimate partner violence or adverse events. Session engagement and retention were high. In pre-post-test analyses, the ReACH2Gether intervention showed trends in reducing Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores and increasing relationship-promoting dynamics, such as positive support behaviors and goal congruence around alcohol use. Results support the need for continued work to evaluate the ReACH2Gether intervention.

Evaluation of a Primary E-Health Intervention for People with Alcohol Use Disorder: Clinical Characteristics of Users and Efficacy.

In Germany, only about 10% of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are treated by the professional help system. "The First 30 Days without Alcohol", an interactive e-health intervention, was developed to support people with "alcohol problems" to abstain from alcohol. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the approach, the program's target group, if and why it is effective. In March 2022 an email was sent to all users who had completed the program. A link to a web-based survey regarding the target group's characteristics, its alcohol-use patterns, former attempts to change the problematic drinking behavior and experience with the program was introduced. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used prior and post intervention. A total of 718 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these, 99.2% suffered from AUD; 81.6% of participants were females, and about one third reported some form of psychiatric comorbidity; 46.6% did not use any additional help or assistance apart from the program; 78.3% reported to be abstinent after participation in the 30-day program, and the data show a significant AUDIT score reduction. Primary e-health interventions may contribute to the established addiction-help system. The intervention seems to reach predominantly highly educated and high-functioning females because of their characteristics.

Gender differences in substance use and associated factors among urban refugees in Uganda

ABSTRACT Background: Alcohol and other substances use related problems among refugees is a global public health concern. Although there is substantial research on the use of alcohol and other substances among the refugees, little is known about gender and other factors that might be associated with the use of alcohol and other substances. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol and substance use across gender and other specific associated factors among urban refugees living in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 343 refugees were interviewed on the use of alcohol and other substances using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. The associated factors included, age, marital status, occupation, duration (length of stay) in Uganda, educational levels, stigma and depression. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables. Results: No significant gender difference in alcohol use was found, and the overall prevalence of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use among our sample of refugees living in Mbarara city was 43%. There were however, statistically significant gender differences in the use of other substances, with a significantly higher percentage of men than women reporting intermediate, substantial, or severe substance use (45% among men, 37% among women). Higher levels of depression and being separated from one’s spouse were associated with higher levels of alcohol and substance use. In addition, higher age and being male were associated with the use of substances other than alcohol. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use among both male and female refugees. Clinical interventions focused on the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance use among the refugee communities may benefit from focusing on depressive symptoms as well.

Drinking to cope as a mediator of the relationship between stress and alcohol outcomes

Relationships between stress and alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, and alcohol harms as mediated by drinking to cope and moderated by gender and education were investigated. Australian participants completed online surveys during 2020 (T1: n = 589, M age = 51.3, 67.7% female; T2: n = 493; T3: n = 487; T4: n = 311). Participants completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales stress subscale, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire for Adults ‘Drinking to cope’ subscale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. T1 drinking to cope mediated the relationship between T1 stress and alcohol consumption at all time points (R 2 T1 = 0.24, R 2 T2 = 0.17, R 2 T3 = 0.21, R 2 T4 = 0.11). T4 drinking to cope mediated the relationship between T1 stress and T4 alcohol consumption (R 2 T1 = 0.15). Furthermore, a stronger effect was found for men in the relationship between T1 stress and T4 alcohol consumption as mediated by T4 drinking to cope (R 2 T4 = .18). No other relationships were found. Overall, drinking to cope appears to explain some of the increase in alcohol consumption across time due to stress and patterns of drinking to cope with stress appear to develop more strongly over time for men.

Changes in patterns of alcohol consumption in young psychiatric outpatients: two comparable samples assessed with 10 years apart

Aims Over the past 20 years, a trend towards non-drinking and less use of alcohol has been reported among young adults. This study aimed to investigate if a similar trend in alcohol consumption can be seen among young adult psychiatric outpatients. Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on two comparable samples of young adult (18–25 years) psychiatric outpatients recruited approximately 10 years apart in 2002–2003 (N = 197) and 2012–2016 (N = 380). The Swedish version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess alcohol consumption. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on diagnostic interviews. Differences between the two samples in alcohol consumption and a number of alcohol-use disorder diagnoses were analysed. Cramer’s V was chosen as the effect size measure. Results Mean AUDIT scores and prevalence of diagnosed alcohol-use disorder in the two samples did not differ significantly. The number of non-drinkers was larger among patients in the mid-2010s (15.8% vs. 8.1%; χ2 = 6.76, p < 0.01, Φ = 0.11), but when non-drinkers were excluded, the alcohol consumption was higher among females in the later sample. Conclusion The mean level of alcohol consumption seems not to have changed to the same extent among young psychiatric patients as in the general population. However, some young psychiatric patients have followed the trend of non-drinking, while others consume more alcohol. Further studies on both non-drinking and high alcohol consumption in psychiatric patients are needed to understand their mechanisms.

Translating and adapting the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) for use in the Russian Federation: A multicentre pilot study to inform validation procedures

Aims: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is one of the most widely used screening instruments worldwide. Although it was translated into many languages, not many country-specific adaptations exist, and a formal validation procedure of the Russian version has been carried out only recently. The present contribution documents the different steps taken to formally translate and adapt a Russian-specific version of the AUDIT (RUS-AUDIT). Methods: The AUDIT was translated into Russian following an established protocol, revised and adapted to the country context using an expert panel, and field-tested in an iterative approach, in line with WHO rules on instrument translation and adaptation A total of three pilot phases were carried out on 134 patients from primary healthcare (PHC) and 33 patients from specialised alcohol treatment facilities (narcology), guided by a specially established advisory board. Changes in each version were informed by the findings of the previous pilot phase and a thorough panel discussion. Results: Based on the findings of three different pilot phases, the RUS-AUDIT was developed as a paper-and-pencil interview for PHC professionals. Since various issues with representation and counting of standard drinks for the second test item arose, a special show card was developed to support the assessment. Preliminary AUDIT-C scores indicated that more than one-third of the screened women (34.2%) and about half of the screened men (50.9%) from PHC facilities have exceeded risk thresholds. Conclusions: The RUS-AUDIT was constructed as a feasible assessment tool for interviewers and patients. The large number of PHC patients who exceed the risk threshold has corroborated the need for formal validation and Russia-specific cut-off scores, considering the specific drinking patterns.

Novel Application of Skills for Psychological Recovery as an Early Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Alcohol Misuse in Survivors of Recent Sexual Assault: A Case Series

Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) is an evidence-informed, early intervention for teaching survivors coping skills in the aftermath of recent disasters. Although SPR has not been tested following recent sexual assault, there is theoretical support for applying SPR to the needs of recent sexual assault survivors. The current study is the first to describe the application of SPR among survivors of recent sexual assault. SPR was administered by two master-level clinicians over the telephone to five people who experienced a sexual assault in the last month. Clients completed up to five SPR sessions. Mean scores of measures of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; PTSD Primary Care Screen), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–2), and alcohol misuse (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Concise) were calculated pre- and post-intervention. Clients reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms (pre-intervention mean = 4.4; post-intervention mean = 2.8), depression (pre-intervention mean = 3.6; post-intervention mean = 2.2), and alcohol misuse (pre-intervention mean = 4.5; post-intervention mean = 3.2) at post-intervention. Results are presented using a case series approach. Findings suggest that SPR may be an effective strategy for reducing early trauma-related symptoms among recent survivors of sexual assault. Future investigations should explore the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of delivering SPR with larger, multiculturally diverse samples of recent sexual assault survivors.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and Diet on the Severity of Plaque Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Assessment using Clinical Scales and Quality of Life Measures.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol intake, assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, on the severity of plaque psoriasis using the Body Surface Area (BSA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scales, and quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS The diagnosis of psoriasis was made based on the clinical picture. We enrolled 24 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and the AUDIT test conducted at the time of follow-up indicated a possible risky/harmful pattern of alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence syndrome among the patients (>8 points). The comparison group consisted of 20 psoriatic patients and AUDIT <8 points. The BSA and PASI scales were used to determine the severity of psoriasis, and the DLQI questionnaire assessed patients' quality of life and how they felt during the week preceding the survey. RESULTS As the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed increased, the exacerbation of lesions measured according to the PASI and BSA scales was significantly higher (P<0.05), and the quality of life decreased (P<0.05). We noted that inadequate and excessive dietary intake of total protein, total fat, and assimilable carbohydrates were associated with statistically significantly higher values of BSA and PASI scores and, thus, more severe psoriatic lesions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS An unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, and smoking negatively affect the course of psoriasis vulgaris, hence the importance of patient education.

Acceptability Among Frontline Staff Toward Distributing an Anonymous Alcohol Survey in Emergency Departments: A Mixed Methods Study.

Emergency departments (EDs) serve as the front line when patients encounter the hospital system. Limited data are available of patients' alcohol habits collected during Danish ED visits, and no studies have, to our knowledge, examined frontline staffs' (registered nurses and medical secretaries) acceptability to deliver anonymous alcohol surveys to patients. We aimed at examining the proportion of survey respondents and the prevalence of patients' alcohol habits and also exploring frontline staff acceptability of the distribution of an anonymous survey regarding patients' alcohol habits in EDs. Intendedly, all eligible patients ≥18 years old entering two EDs in March 2019 should receive a survey based on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. The study was an explanatory, sequential, mixed methods design, and results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a deductive content analysis based on the theoretical framework of acceptability. In total, 15% (n = 1,305) of the total 8,679 patients in the EDs returned the survey. Qualitative analysis of interviews (n = 31) with staff showed that they had been reluctant to distribute the survey primarily because of ethical concerns of anonymity, freedom of choice, and being nonjudgmental toward patients. Hence, patients with no obvious alcohol problems were more likely to receive the survey. Still, we found that 23% of the respondents had an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score ≥ 8. Results indicate that frontline staffs' recognition of patients' alcohol use is inadequate, and findings show a low degree of acceptability among staff to deliver an anonymous survey, which is in line with earlier described barriers toward screening activities in EDs.

How Do Women React to the COVID-19 Pandemic Period? Relationship Between Ego-Resiliency, Anxiety, Alcohol Consumption and Aggression Among Polish Women.

There are many reports in the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, including the condition of women. Most of these studies refer to a single time point, while there is a lack of studies controlling for selected parameters during different periods of the pandemic. This work aimed to determine the role of ego-resiliency in women's adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted in two stages - all via online forms. A total of 762 Polish women took part in the overall project. The scales used in the study were the Ego-resiliency scale (ER89-R12), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale (GAD-7), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3. Women participating in the second study had significantly lower scores on ego-resilience and its components compared to the first study. In the first research, ego-resiliency and optimal regulation were statistically significantly correlated with anxiety, alcohol consumption, generalised aggression, verbal aggression and hostility, while openness to life experiences was correlated with alcohol consumption and hostility. The second part of the project highlighted new significant correlations between ego-resiliency and optimal regulation and physical aggression and anger, but a non-significant correlation of these variables with alcohol consumption. The effect of openness to life experiences on alcohol consumption and anxiety, evident in the first study, was no longer present in the second part of the study. The lack of a significant effect of openness to life experience on alcohol consumption, lower ego-resiliency and optimal regulation scores are observed in the second part of the research, which might be an expression of adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ego-resiliency is a protective factor against aggression, while optimal regulation against anxiety among Polish women.

Standardized Models for Identification and Intervention for Emergency Department Patients at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is chronic, lasting a person's lifetime. An increase in driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as emergency department (ED) visits, has been reported. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) is utilized to assess hazardous drinking. The Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model assists in early intervention and referral for treatment. The Transtheoretical Model standardized instrument assesses individual readiness to change. These tools may be used by nurses and nonphysicians in the ED to help reduce alcohol use and the consequences of its use.