Disorders Identification Test Research Articles

Genetic Polymorphism in Alcohol Metabolism and Drinking Behavior are Associated with Gastric Cancer Risk in Men.

Objective In recent years, there has been a growing focus on health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The present study investigated whether or not the genetic variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) influences the risk of gastric cancer among individuals identified as hazardous drinkers using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which provides a comprehensive assessment of hazardous drinking behavior. Patients We enrolled men with hazardous drinking behavior (AUDIT score ≥ 8) who had undergone gastric cancer screening (either endoscopy or a barium X-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract) between April 2013 and March 2020 within 1 year from entry and who had subsequently undergone at least one more gastric cancer screening up to March 2021. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms of ALDH2 (rs671) were measured using a direct TaqMan PCR method with unprocessed saliva. Results A total of 246 men were enrolled, comprising 193 individuals with active ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*1) and 53 with less-active ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*2). The cumulative incidence of gastric cancer in the less-active group was higher than in the active ALDH2 group (p=0.01, hazard ratio: 4.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-16.7). Alcohol consumption was lower in the less-active ALDH2 group than in the active ALDH2 group, although no marked difference was observed in the AUDIT score. Conclusion In individuals with hazardous drinking behavior, a heightened risk of gastric cancer was observed among those with less-active ALDH2 variants, even when their alcohol consumption was comparatively lower than in those with active ALDH2 variants.

Alcohol use as a predictor of child-to-parent violence in adolescents from southern Mexico.

To analyze the relationship and effect of alcohol use on Child-to-Parent Violence (CPV). Cross-sectional, observational study with a quantitative approach, carried out through online data collection using the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in 318 high school adolescents from southern Mexico. Moderate and significant relationships were found between alcohol use and verbal (rs = 0.408, p = 0.001) and economic violence against the mother (rs = 0.445, p = 0.001). A similar situation is presented in physical (rs = 0.473, p = 0.001), verbal (rs = 0.236, p = 0.001) and economic (rs = 0.477, p = 0.001) violence directed to the father. The relation among the variables was supported by Multiple Linear Regression models, with alcohol consumption in adolescents being a predictor of violence against mothers and fathers.

Religiosity and alcohol use in adolescents with orofacial cleft: correlational study.

To evaluate the correlation between religiosity and alcohol use among adolescents with orofacial clefts. Cross-sectional study, developed in a Brazilian public and tertiary hospital, between December 2021 and March 2022. Data collection was hybrid, and three instruments were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Durel Religiosity Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. For statistical analysis, the following tests were used: χ2, Fisher's Exact, Mann-Whitney and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient, in addition to analyses of linear correlation strength and bivariate logistic regression. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5% (p≤0.05). 370 adolescents participated, with a mean age of 15.2 years (±1.8). Among them, 23 (5.4%) used alcohol riskly or harmfully, being more frequent among male adolescents (p=0.001), those of mixed race (p=0.046), attending high school (p=0.011), with no religion (p<0.001), or who did not attend religious services (p<0.001). Levels of organizational, non-organizational and intrinsic religiosity were significantly lower among adolescents with risky or harmful alcohol use (p=0.005; p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). There was a moderate correlation between risky or harmful alcohol use and non-organizational (r=0.31; p=0.002) and intrinsic (r=0.36; p<0.001) religiosity. Male adolescents (p<0.001; OR=6.58), closest in age to 18 years (p<0.001; OR=1.37), and non-practitioners of religion (p<0.001; OR=6. 48) presented higher odds of risky or harmful alcohol use. Adolescents with higher levels of organizational and intrinsic religiosity used less alcohol, while males, closest in age to 18 years, and non-practitioners of religion presented higher odds of using alcohol riskly or harmfully.

Paternal Alcohol Consumption and Childhood Malnutrition: A Community-based Participatory Case-control Study among Adivasis in Rural South India.

Childhood malnutrition in India remains among the highest in the world. Adult alcohol consumption and severe malnutrition have increased among indigenous people in South India. However, the association between them is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate this association, which could help design better intervention strategies. This case-control observational study was conducted in the Nilgiri district in South India. Cases included children aged 1-5 years with moderate malnutrition. Controls were defined as children in the same age group with normal weight-for-age. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), and parental education. The WHO Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire was used to estimate parental alcohol use. Health-care workers collected data from within the community. The baseline demographics of the children in the control (n = 250) and case groups (n = 177) were similar. Paternal age and AUDIT scores were not different in the two groups. SES was lower in the malnourished group, while maternal education among cases was significantly lower. Maternal and paternal education were associated with childhood malnutrition (odds ratio [OR]: 0.728 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.583-0.903] and OR: 0.753 [95% CI: 0.589-0.957], respectively). After adjustment for covariates, paternal alcohol use was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.00-2.47]), which SES partly mediated. Paternal alcohol consumption is associated with childhood malnutrition, partially mediated by lower SES. Furthermore, lower SES appeared to be strongly associated with paternal alcohol consumption.

Tuberculosis transmission in Households of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients with Alcohol use in the Puducherry Region

Introduction: Tuberculosis control remains an ongoing challenge for low and middle-income countries with lack of understanding of the factors determining transmission of infection. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol use among pulmonary tuberculosis patients on transmission to their household contacts in Puducherry and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: Data from a large-scale cohort comprising TB patients and their household contacts were analyzed. Alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, while the infection was evaluated via the Mantoux test using an approved Tuberculin/PPD product. Mediation analysis explored the relationship between alcohol consumption, TB infection, and potential mediators. Results: A substantial proportion of TB patients reported alcohol use (59.9%), and a significant association was found between smear positivity and LTBI infection among household contacts. Its reported prolonged exposure to tuberculosis was reported, with a majority (76.1%) spending &gt;6 hours/day in proximity. However,lower LTBI positivity of 43.1% (95% CI 37.4%, 48.6%) was observed among the HHCs of TB patients with high-risk of alcohol use as compared to 53.9% (95% CI 51.2%, 56.5%) in the HHCs of ICs with low risk of alcohol. Alcohol use was associated with decreased time spent with household contacts, partially mediating the relationship between alcohol use and LTBI. Conclusion: The study underscores the complex interplay between alcohol use, transmission dynamics, and household interactions. Strategies targeting alcohol reduction alongside TB control efforts are crucial for mitigating the transmission. Addressing alcoholism is imperative in TB control interventions. Further research is needed to elucidate transmission dynamics and develop targeted interventions. Keywords: tuberculosis, alcohol use, household contacts, transmission, smear positivity, LTBI

Hepatitis C Prevalence, HCV awareness and Certain Psychological Factors in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in patients with Opioid Use Disorder and to investigate both the sociodemographic and psychological differences between patients with or without Hepatitis C Virus. Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) who applied to Mersin Provincial Health Directorate Toros State Hospital Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center (AMATEM) between 01.09.2019-01.09.2020 and hepatitis virus markers, complete blood count and basic biochemistry were assessed. Sociodemographic Evaluation Form, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Childhood Traumas Scale, Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Temps-A Temperament Scale, Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale were applied to 107 patients with HCV and 101 patients without HCV who were selected by systematic sampling and the findings obtained were compared. Of the 1190 patients diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder, 340 (28.5%) were found to be HCV positive. 107 HCV-positive and 101 HCVnegative patients who were selected for comparison were similar in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Among HCV positive patients, the rate of intravenous drug use and needle sharing were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001). Overall duration of substance use and intravenous substance use were significantly higher in HCV positive patients (p=0.024 and p=0.017). Similarly, HCV positive group were significantly more likely (p<0.001) to have heard of HCV before and significantly more likely (p=0.009) to know that HCV causes cirrhosis and liver cancer. Regarding the scores of Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Childhood Traumas Scale, Substance Use Disorder Recognition Test, DUDIT, Temps -A Temperament Scales applied to HCV positive and HCV negative patients with Opioid Use Disorder, no difference was found. The scores of the 'Non-Acceptance' factor of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale were found to be significantly higher in HCV positive patients with Opioid Use Disorder (p=0.020). Patients diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have higher rates of HCV positivity compared to general public. Intravenous drug use significantly increases this risk. Half of HCV-positive patients were unaware that they have the virus and only a very small proportion received treatment. Therefore, examining each patient with OUD for HCV, treating positive patients in an effective referral system seems to be the an important step in the eradication of this disease in this population.

Nonviral Liver Disease Burden in People Living With HIV and Elevated Transaminases: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Because of improved life expectancy in people living with HIV (PLWH), liver disease is increasingly being recognized. We assessed nonviral chronic liver disease burden in PLWH. The HIV non-virAL liver disease study (2014-2021) prospectively recruited PLWH with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels and negative hepatitis serology. Clinically significant hepatic fibrosis (CSHF) was defined as liver stiffness measurement of >7.1 kPa and hazardous alcohol use as Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score ≥ 8. Primary outcome was prevalence/predictors of CSHF. Total recruited were n = 274, 92% male, median age 52 (45-59) years, and 96% having undetectable HIV viral load. Overall, n = 97 (35%) had hazardous alcohol use, n = 72 (26%) had metabolic syndrome, and 17%-27% had exposure to hepatotoxic antiretrovirals. Prevalence of CSHF was 20% (n = 54), prevalence of cirrhosis (liver stiffness measurement > 12.5 kPa) being 7% (19/274). Risk factors for CSHF were hazardous alcohol use in 44% (n = 24), metabolic syndrome in 46% (n = 25), and hepatotoxic antiretrovirals in 56% (n = 30), most having more than one risk factor. Independent predictors of CSHF were serum high-density lipoprotein (odds ratio [OR] 0.220; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.061 to 0.790, P = 0.020) (inverse relationship); serum aspartate aminotransferase (OR 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001 to 1.067, P = 0.045), and didanosine use (OR 2.878, 95% CI: 1.228 to 6.774, P = 0.015). Moderate-severe hepatic steatosis was identified in 52% (n = 142). FIB-4 and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index performed poorly in predicting CSHF (positive predictive value 27.3% and 30.6%, respectively) and advanced fibrosis (≥F3) (positive predictive value 17.6% and 5.9%, respectively). In this study, 20% of PLWH had CSHF associated with high prevalence of hazardous alcohol use/metabolic syndrome/potentially hepatotoxic antiretrovirals. These potentially modifiable risk factors need addressing.

Cannabis use and its association with psychopathological symptoms in a Swiss adult population: a cross-sectional analysis.

As the most commonly used illicit substance, cannabis is gaining global acceptance through increasing legalization efforts. This shift intensifies the need for research to guide policymakers and healthcare providers in harm reduction and treatment strategies. Nonetheless, the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and cannabis use remains inadequately understood. A sample of regular cannabis consumers completed self-reported assessments for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale V1.1), and psychosis (Early Recognition Inventory based on IRAOS) as well as previous black-market cannabis use patterns. Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test Revised (CUDIT-R) was used to identify cannabis use disorder (CUD). To understand psychopathological symptom load related to cannabis consumption as well as cannabis use motives, multiple regression models were performed to identify psychopathological variables predicting cannabis use frequency and quantity. Linear regression and correlation analyses were conducted, adjusting for relevant covariates (age, gender, education, alcohol, other substance use). Three-hundred-sixty regular cannabis users interested in a study on regulated cannabis access in Basel, Switzerland were examined. In bivariate analysis, cannabis use frequency correlated with depressive (r(358) = 0.16, p = 0.003) and anxiety symptom load (r(358) = 0.11, p = 0.034). Cannabis quantity correlated with depressive (r(358) = 0.15, p = 0.005), ADHD (r(358) = 0.14, p = 0.008), and psychosis symptom load (r(358) = 0.16, p = 0.002). However, in the adjusted regression models only depressive and ADHD symptom loads were significantly associated with cannabis use frequency (p = 0.006 and p = 0.034, respectively) and quantity (p = 0.037 and p = 0.019, respectively). No significant correlations between cannabis consumption and anxiety or psychosis remained after adjustment. ADHD and depressive symptoms correlate with increased cannabis use in a cohort of regular users, suggesting potential self-medication in nonclinical populations. With the rising availability of cannabis worldwide, these results highlight the necessity for longitudinal studies to disentangle the complex dynamics between cannabis consumption and mental health symptoms.

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in practice: A specific and proportional marker of alcohol consumption

Alcohol abuse causes more than three million deaths a year, or one in twenty, more than three-quarters of them men. Alcohol abuse accounts for over 5% of the global burden of disease. In this context, objective clinical and biochemical tests are essential to characterize drinking patterns, quantify the amount of ethanol ingested daily and enable effective management of these patients. We recently investigated the feasibility and benefits of measuring phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in daily medical practice for the management of alcohol dependence in the outpatient setting. We report the results of a quantification of palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanol (PEth 16:0/18:1) in comparison with biological indicators (SGOT, SGPT GGT) on a group of volunteers followed as outpatients for alcohol problems. Methods: In this prospective study, a total population of 57 volunteers consulting a private addictology practice was recruited for PEth tests, 21 of which were complemented by biological tests including SGOT, SGPT GGT assays. A file was completed specifying the methods of alcohol use, the quantities consumed (AU) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score. Blood samples are collected in a 10 µL drop, using a medical device (VAMS from Neoteryx, USA), air-dried. The dry samples are extracted and reconstituted with methanol. The analyzes carried out by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Results and discussion: 57 volunteers (19 F and 38 M) aged between 20 and 70 were included. These volunteers had the Quantities consumed (AU/d) at 6.7 (0-20) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score at 17.8 (0-30). A strong positive correlation of 0.88 (n=57) was observed between PEth concentrations and levels of daily alcohol consumption. The usual biology, the "hepatic assessment" provides little or no information on the risks associated with alcohol consumption with correlation coefficient estimated at 0.28 for GGT, 0.09 for SGOT and 0.00 for SGPT. PEth degradation was 13% for samples stored at room temperature, compared with those stored at +4°C and -80°C. Conclusion: PEth is a specific and proportional marker of alcohol consumption. Measuring PEth enables us to accurately gauge the reality of alcohol consumption and adapt it to care and prevention contexts. This measurement of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can be carried out as part of a consultation, at a distance from the analysis centers. Finally, the PEth, along with the interpretation tools described in this article, is an important help in the management of alcohol dependence.

Effect of alcohol-dependence on cognitive performance in middle-aged men: Preliminary results

Objectives: The understanding of the relationship between alcohol-related neuropathology, cognitive impairment, and various factors such as alcohol consumption, thiamine levels, and age vulnerability is still poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of alcohol dependence on cognitive performance in middle-aged men with psycho-biochemical evidence. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study with a comparison group including 82 right-handed participants with and without alcohol dependence (n = 41 each). Alcohol dependence was diagnosed clinically by the International Classification of Disease Tenth Edition along with the use of alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) and cognitive screening tests, that is, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The serum levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1) were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The MoCA scores, MMSE scores, and serum thiamine levels were significantly low for alcohol-dependent men (1509.43 ± 898.63 pmol/L) versus non-alcohol-dependent men (1862.81 ± 741.30 pmol/L; P = 0.021). The cognitive sub-domains including orientation, execution, calculation, visuoconstructional skills, and recall functions were also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected for the alcohol-dependent patients when compared to non-alcohol-dependent men. Serum thiamine levels showed a positive (P &lt; 0.05) correlation with MoCA scores whereas serum thiamine levels showed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) negative correlation with AUDIT scores. Conclusion: Based on the significant positive association between serum thiamine levels with MoCA scores; therefore, both may be used as a screening tool for the early detection of cognitive impairment in patients with alcohol dependence.

Why Substance Use Screening Frequency Matters in Adult Primary Care.

Evidence-based early intervention practices, such as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), are recommended to identify unhealthy use and provide linkages to treatment to prevent substance use disorder. However, there is a lack of screening frequency recommendations. Pennsylvania (PA) SBIRT was a five-year initiative to implement SBIRT in primary care sites. This study evaluated the effects of screening policies in PA SBIRT on changes in substance use risk category over time. Quantitative data were obtained from seven primary care sites implementing SBIRT, with patients who were screened twice using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, US Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, or the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test and experienced any risk category change (n = 1,364). Patients were 49% male, 51% female, 81% White, and 14% Black. An intercept-only generalized estimating equation model tested whether category changes between screen one and screen two were statistically significant. The average number of months between screenings for those experiencing a risk category change was 9.01 with a range of 0 to 46 months. There was a statistically significant change between screening one and screening two (P > 0.001), with 44% undergoing a decrease in risk category and 56% undergoing an increase in risk category. Of those undergoing an increase in risk category, 91% moved from a negative/low risk category to a positive/higher risk category. Results suggest that frequent screening policies may improve identification of substance use risk category changes. The results act as a catalyst to further evaluate recommended screening intervals for detecting unhealthy substance use to increase identification and patient connection.

Personality organisation, traumatic childhood experiences, and alcohol use in a non-clinical group

Introduction and objective: Psychodynamic concepts assume that early experiences in relationships with close family members influence mental health. Kernberg’s model of personality organisation also assumes that the structure of personality depends on object relations, and the adaptability of individual dimensions of personality organisation will depend on, among others, quality of care in early childhood. In recent years, the self-medication hypothesis has become increasingly popular, arguing that alcohol use is secondary to personality difficulties. The research presented in the article aimed to assess the relationships between dimensions of personality organisation, traumatic childhood experiences, and alcohol use. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 148 Polish adults, including 85 women and 63 men. The mean age was M = 32.61 (standard deviation, SD = 9.29). The Inventory of Personality Organization, the Childhood Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-58), and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) were used. Results: The results indicate positive low to moderate correlations between all personality dimensions and the severity of various adverse experiences. Alcohol use also increases with greater disturbances across all dimensions of personality organisation. Moreover, as traumatic experiences such as physical abuse, physical and emotional neglect, and environmental instability increase, the tendency to use alcohol also increases. Three clusters of individuals with different configurations of the investigated variables were also identified. Conclusions: The research has confirmed the relationships between personality organisation, traumatic childhood experiences, and alcohol use reported in the literature, thus prompting reflection on the use of alcohol as a form of self-medication.

Personality organisation and mentalisation in group of individuals with alcohol use disorder

Introduction and objective: The personality organisation model proposed by Otto F. Kernberg allows for describing an individual at different levels of personality organisation: healthy/neurotic and higher/moderate/low borderline. It is assumed that there is a correlation between an individual’s ability to mentalise and the level of personality organisation. The aim of the study was to find out whether there is a relationship between personality organisation and the ability to mentalise in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals. Materials and methods: The research was conducted in a group of 91 alcohol-dependent individuals. The mean age of the respondents was 43.50 years (standard deviation, SD = 12.90). The research used the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO) by John F. Clarkin, Pamela A. Foelsch and Otto F. Kernberg, the Mentalization Scale by Aleksandar Dimitrijević et al., the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test published by the Polish Agency for the Identification of Alcohol-Related Problems and an original sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The study showed significant correlations between different aspects of personality organisation and mentalisation. The higher the severity of abnormalities in personality organisation, the lower the ability to mentalise. Alcohol-dependent men and women were also shown to differ significantly in their ability to mentalise, intensity of aggression and moral values. Conclusions: The study showed that the ability to mentalise in alcohol-dependent individuals decreases with increasing deficits in personality organisation, which seems to be relevant for the design of therapeutic interventions.

Physical Activity, Alcohol, and Cigarette Use in Urological Cancer Patients over Time since Diagnosis.

Urological cancers represent a substantial global public health concern, exerting far-reaching effects on both individuals and their families. There is an urgent need to comprehensively understand the transformations in patients' lifestyles and behaviors, given their critical role in the treatment process and overall well-being. This study, involving 128 urological cancer patients, aims to investigate changes in physical activity levels, problematic drinking behaviors assessed through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and smoking habits assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) over four distinct time intervals over the subsequent three years from the time of diagnosis and among individuals diagnosed more than three years ago. The results reveal a significant decrease in physical activity levels between study intervals (p < 0.0001), declining from 69% to 45% between the first and second post-diagnosis assessments. Furthermore, the highest levels of problematic substance use, indicated by mean scores, were noted in the first year following diagnosis (AUDIT: 4.20, p = 0.01; FTND: 4.83, p = 0.08). Given the significant impact of physical activity on the prospects of recovery, it is imperative to delve more deeply into the factors contributing to this decline and devise targeted interventions for its improvement. In the context of substance use, it is essential to ascertain whether the initially high levels are a result of coping with the cancer diagnosis or represent a turning point at which patients modify their behaviors and cease their addiction. A more thorough understanding of this phenomenon would enhance the effectiveness of precisely focused interventions.

Physical Activity Time, Alcohol Consumption, Mediterranean Diet, and Anxiety in Education Science Students.

Student lifestyles change during university. This research aimed to classify university students according to their levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anxiety and studied the relationships between the variables using a multigroup equation model according to gender. The sample was composed of 549 participants (M = 23.06; S.D. = 6.22), of whom 409 were women and 140 were men. Validated and adapted instruments such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the PREDIMED Questionnaire, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were used. The data revealed four clusters through Ward's method and the k-means method. Regarding the exploratory model, differences were found in the effects of the variables according to sex. In conclusion, alcohol consumption was positively associated with the Mediterranean diet, and physical activity was negatively associated with the Mediterranean diet and anxiety.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND ABUSIVE/NEGLECTFUL BEHAVIORS AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Despite its suspected role in elder abuse and neglect (EAN), little is known about alcohol use disorders (AUD) among family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). As part of a micro-longitudinal study in which caregivers completed 21 daily surveys about their caregiving experiences, we examined the effects of daily drinking behaviors and screening positive for hazardous drinking (based on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C)) on the daily risk of EAN. A generalized linear mixed model with days (n = 9513) nested within caregivers (N=453) was used to evaluate the relationships between caregivers’ alcohol consumption patterns and the odds of using an abusive and/or neglectful behavior. Caregivers’ alcohol consumption on a given day increases the odds of using physical abuse (OR=2.19; 95% CI=1.12–4.28; p=.022), psychological abuse (OR=1.40; 95% CI=1.01–1.94; p=.041) and neglect (OR=1.48; 95% CI=1.17–1.86; p=.001) that same day. Screening positive for AUD significantly increases the odds of a caregiver’s use of neglect on a given day (OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.52–3.88, p=&amp;lt;.001), but not physical or psychological abuse. There were no interaction effects between AUD and daily drinking, meaning AUD increases the risk of neglect independent of daily drinking behavior. Interventions to manage AUD may reduce the risk of neglect among ADRD caregivers experiencing hazardous drinking. Interventions focused on daily drinking behaviors are needed to reduce the general risk of EAN among ADRD caregivers. Findings show that subpopulations exist within ADRD caregivers who engage in EAN behaviors that would benefit from different targeted interventions.

Sex, executive function, and prospective memory regulate the chain-mediation pathway of alcohol use and impulsivity.

Evidence from previous studies indicates that impulsive behaviors are closely linked to alcohol use and misuse and that female drinkers are more impulsive than male drinkers. However, studies investigating the psychological mechanisms of alcohol use and impulsivity based on sex differences are relatively limited. This cross-sectional study comprised 713 residents from 16 cities in Anhui Province, China. Each subject was evaluated for self-reporting measures using several questionnaires, including the general information questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRM), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11). Executive function and prospective memory may serve as intermediary links between alcohol use and impulsivity. Although the female alcohol usage level was significantly lower than that of males, the female drinkers had more severe executive dysfunction, prospective memory impairment, and impulsivity than male drinkers. Sex moderated the relationship between alcohol use and impulsivity. Furthermore, the indirect effect of executive function, and prospective memory between AUDIT and BIS was more significant in males than in females. Alcohol consumption may be associated with impulsivity formation through executive dysfunction and PM impairment, implying that impulsivity in those with AUD or at risk for AUD might be treated by improving EF and PM. Alcohol use may cause more severe executive dysfunction, PM impairment, and impulsive behavior in females than in males, and impulsive behavior in women with AUD was more likely to be due to the direct effects of alcohol consumption, while impulsive behavior in men with AUD was more likely to be due to the indirect effects of executive dysfunction and PM impairment. These findings provide both clinical and theoretical foundations for addressing issues related to alcohol use.

Association between alcohol use disorder and risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterised by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of OSA due to its effects on the upper airway and body mass index (BMI). We aimed to investigate the correlation between alcohol use disorders and OSA. We used 11,859 participants data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The variable of interest was alcohol use disorder, measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the dependent variable was the risk of OSA, measured using the Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, BMI, age, neck circumference, and male gender questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between alcohol use disorder and OSA risk after adjusted analysis. A significant association was found between alcohol use disorder and OSA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93-2.37). In the unemployed group, those with alcohol use disorder had the highest odds of being at risk of OSA compared with those who did not have this disorder (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 2.04-2.95). The OSA risk increased as the snoring frequency, amount of alcohol consumed, and frequency of binge drinking increased. This study suggests an association between alcohol use disorders and the risk of OSA. The frequency of alcohol consumption, quantity of alcohol consumed, and snoring frequency were associated with the risk of OSA. Therefore, ceasing alcohol consumption is recommended as an effective approach to enhancing sleep quality.

Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Women in the UK Armed Forces Who Consume Alcohol at a Hazardous or Harmful Level: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Alcohol misuse is common in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), with prevalence significantly higher than in the general population. To date, digital health initiatives to support alcohol misuse have focused on male individuals, who represent approximately 89% of the UKAF. However, female veterans drink disproportionally more than female members of the public. This 2-arm participant-blinded (single-blinded) confirmatory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the efficacy of a brief alcohol intervention (DrinksRation) in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption between baseline and a 3-month follow-up (day 84) among women who have served in the UKAF. In this 2-arm single-blinded RCT, a smartphone app that includes interactive user-focused features tailored toward the needs of female veterans and designed to enhance participants' motivations to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume is compared with the UK Chief Medical Officer guidance on alcohol consumption. The trial will be conducted among women who have served at least 1 day of paid service in the UKAF. Recruitment, consent, and data collection will be carried out automatically through the DrinksRation app or the BeAlcoholSmart platform. The primary outcome is change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline (day 0) and the 3-month follow-up (day 84) measured using the Timeline Follow Back for alcohol consumption. The secondary outcome is the change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up between the control and intervention groups. The process evaluation measures include (1) app use and (2) usability ratings as measured by the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. RCT recruitment will begin in January 2024 and last for 5 months. We aim to complete all data collection, including interviews, by May 2024. This study will assess whether a smartphone app tailored to the needs of women who have served in the UKAF is efficacious in reducing self-reported alcohol consumption. If successful, the digital therapeutics platform could be used not only to support women who have served in the UKAF but also for other conditions and disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05970484; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05970484. PRR1-10.2196/51531.

The relationship between discrimination, alcohol use severity, and PTSD symptoms among Latinx heavy drinkers

IntroductionDiscrimination is linked to alcohol use severity among Latinx adults, who also show high prevalence rates of PTSD compared to non-Latinx adults. We know little about whether PTSD symptoms affects the relationship between discrimination and alcohol use severity. We hypothesized that the association between discrimination and alcohol use severity might differ by level of PTSD symptom severity. MethodsThis is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of data collected at baseline from a completed randomized clinical trial testing the relative efficacy of a culturally adapted motivational interview designed to address discrimination and drinking behavior against an unadapted motivational interview for Latinx adults. Eligible participants screened positive for the NIAAA Single Alcohol Screening Question for heavy drinking days, identified as Latinx, and were 18–65 years old. We assessed the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Primary Care PC-PTSD screener, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. The study analyzed the main and interactive effects of discrimination and PTSD symptoms on alcohol use severity, while controlling for age, sex, household income, and acculturation. ResultsAfter controlling for covariates in model 2, the interaction of discrimination and PTSD symptoms was significantly related to alcohol use severity. Simple slopes analysis indicated that discrimination was positively related to alcohol use severity among those with high (1 SD above the mean) but not low (1 SD below the mean) levels of PTSD symptoms. ConclusionsEvidence suggests that the experiences of discrimination were associated with alcohol use severity among those who reported more PTSD symptoms. Specifically, discrimination may have a stronger effect on alcohol use severity among Latinx adults who report more PTSD symptoms. Screening Latinx adults for heavy drinking days, discrimination, and PTSD symptoms is clinically important. Culturally adapted alcohol interventions that target discrimination may be particularly effective for Latinx individuals with more PTSD symptoms.