Drinking Risk Research Articles

Characteristics of consumers of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in Great Britain: A cross-sectional study.

The impact of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) drinks on public health and health inequalities depends on who consumes them and how they are consumed. This study aimed to estimate: (i) the proportions of adults in Great Britain who consume no/lo drinks at different frequencies and in different settings; and (ii) the associations between no/lo drink consumption and individual characteristics. Pooled data (N = 7691) from four waves of a repeat cross-sectional survey on alcohol use completed in 2022-2023 by adults (16+) resident in Great Britain were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. In all, 31.3% of adults reported ever consuming no/lo drinks and 9.8% reported drinking them weekly. Ever consumption of no/lo drinks was associated with: being an increasing risk drinker of alcohol relative to not drinking (ORadj: 3.96, 95% CI 3.27-4.80), being aged 16-24 compared with 65+ (ORadj:1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.57), having previously smoked compared with having never smoked (ORadj:1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.34) and living in a rural rather than urban area (ORadj:1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29). It was less likely among those in lower social grades or with lower educational qualifications; those living in Yorkshire and the Humber, and Scotland, compared with the South-East of England; and those using nicotine products. A third of adults in Great Britain have consumed no/lo drinks and approximately one in 10 do so weekly. Consumption is more common among riskier drinkers of alcohol and among more advantaged social groups, which may contribute to the sustaining or widening of health inequalities.

Alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and eating disorder symptoms among male and female college students.

Eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders are prevalent among college students in the United States, with underlying common mechanisms suggesting co-occurrence of these in the student population. As treatment prognosis of EDs improves when they are identified and treated with early intervention, it is essential to understand which substance use behaviors associate with EDs in students. Using a sample of 471 college students recruited for a study on high risk drinking (i.e., students needed to pregame regularly to be included), we explored the associations between ED symptomatology and two common substances used in this population: alcohol and cannabis. As most research on EDs focuses on female students only or does not separate out males and females, we examined whether sex assigned at birth moderated the association between ED symptomatology and substance use outcomes. About one-third (32.4%) of the sample screened positive for an ED, with females significantly more likely to screen positive. Males were significantly more likely to screen positive for an alcohol or cannabis use disorder. Screening positive for an ED associated with cannabis use frequency and cannabis use disorder symptoms, but not with alcohol outcomes. Sex moderated the association between ED and cannabis use disorder symptoms, with positive ED screen male students experiencing the highest cannabis use disorder symptoms. It is necessary to further assess how sex differences in substance use and ED symptomatology inform each other. Findings underscore the need to assess and screen for cannabis use disorder among students who screen positive for an ED, and, more specifically, with focused attention on male students with ED symptoms.

Frontal Brain N-Acetylaspartate at Treatment Entry is Related to Future WHO Risk Drinking Levels in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.

To assess the viability of regional brain metabolite levels of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) at treatment entry as a biomarker of post-treatment levels of alcohol use, categorized according to the World Health Organization risk drinking levels (WHO-RDL). Eighty-five individuals initiating treatment for AUD (16 ± 13 days after last alcohol consumption), and 45 light/non-drinking controls (LN) completed a 1.5T proton multislice magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging study. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal viability, and other metabolites were quantitated for cortical gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and select subcortical regions. Individuals with AUD were classified according to their post-treatment alcohol consumption, as abstainers (AB, n=42), low risk (RL, n=20), or higher risk (RH, n=23), based on the WHO-RDL taxonomy. Within frontal GM, RH exhibited significantly lower NAA levels than LN and AB but did not differ from RL. RH had significantly lower NAA concentration in frontal WM than all groups who did not significantly differ from one another. RH showed significantly lower parietal WM NAA than LN and AB; RL and RH did not differ from one another. Across RH and RL, lower frontal GM and WM NAA was related to shorter period of abstinence before first post-treatment alcohol consumption and longer post-treatment duration of alcohol resumption. There were no significant group differences in myo-inositol or choline- or creatine-containing compound concentrations. Frontal and parietal lobar NAA concentrations, near treatment entry, are associated with WHO-RDL categorized post-treatment alcohol consumption levels and may serve as predictive biomarkers of clinical outcomes following treatment for AUD.

Do engagement and behavioural mechanisms underpin the effectiveness of the Drink Less app?

This is a process evaluation of a large UK-based randomised controlled trial (RCT) (n = 5602) evaluating the effectiveness of recommending an alcohol reduction app, Drink Less, compared with usual digital care in reducing alcohol consumption in increasing and higher risk drinkers. The aim was to understand whether participants’ engagement (‘self-reported adherence’) and behavioural characteristics were mechanisms of action underpinning the effectiveness of Drink Less. Self-reported adherence with both digital tools was over 70% (Drink Less: 78.0%, 95% CI = 77.6–78.4; usual digital care: 71.5%, 95% CI = 71.0–71.9). Self-reported adherence to the intervention (average causal mediation effect [ACME] = −0.250, 95% CI = −0.42, −0.11) and self-monitoring behaviour (ACME = −0.235, 95% CI = −0.44, −0.03) both partially mediated the effect of the intervention (versus comparator) on alcohol reduction. Following the recommendation (self-reported adherence) and the tracking (self-monitoring behaviour) feature of the Drink Less app appear to be important mechanisms of action for alcohol reduction among increasing and higher risk drinkers.

Social Environment, Lifestyle, and Genetic Predisposition With Dementia Risk: A Long-Term Longitudinal Study Among Older Adults.

The role of social environment, that is, the aggregate effect of social determinants of health (SDOHs), in determining dementia is unclear. We developed a novel polysocial risk score for dementia based on 19 SDOH among 5199 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, United States, to measure the social environmental risk. We used a survival analysis approach to assess the association between social environment and dementia risk in 2006-2020. We further studied the interaction between social environment and lifestyles, and explored racial disparities. The study participants (mean age = 73.4 years, SD = 8.3; 58.0% female; 11.6% African American) were followed up for an average of 6.2 years, and 1089 participants developed dementia. Every 1-point increase in the polysocial risk score (ranging from 0 to 10) was associated with a 21.6% higher risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.21, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 1.15-1.26) of developing dementia, other things being equal. Among participants with high social environmental risk, regular exercise and moderate drinking were associated with a 43%-60% lower risk of developing dementia (p < .001). In addition, African Americans were 1.3 times (aHR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.96-2.66) more likely to develop dementia than European Americans, other things being equal. An adverse social environment is linked to higher dementia risk, but healthy lifestyles can partially offset the increased social environmental risk. The polysocial risk score can complement the existing risk tools to identify high-risk older populations, and guide the design of targeted social environmental interventions, particularly focusing on improving the companionship of the older people, to prevent dementia.

Numerical treatment of stochastic and deterministic alcohol drinker dynamics with Euler–Maruyama method

Alcohol abuse is a substantial cause of various health and societal issues, as well as a significant factor in global disease. Once alcohol is consumed in the gastrointestinal tract, it undergoes metabolism in the liver and lungs. In this investigation, the nonlinear deterministic and stochastic differential frameworks are analyzed numerically to predict the dynamic evolution of the virus in the drinker alcohol model. The framework for apprehending drinking patterns is categorized into three distinct groups: the susceptible population, risk drinkers, and moderate drinkers. The approximate solution for each population group is determined by exhaustively creating scenarios that vary the probability ratio of infection in susceptible individuals who do not consume alcohol, the increasing rate of alcohol consumption, the rate at which individuals transition from acute to chronic drinking categories, the rate at which new non-drinking consumers are attracted, the death rate of the population, the ratio affecting the rate of sociability in heavy drinkers, and the overall population rate. The Euler–Maruyama approach for the stochastic framework and the Adams method for the deterministic framework are utilized, respectively, to determine the solutions of the alcohol drinker model. This study compares deterministic and stochastic frameworks to underscore their distinct characteristics and efficiency, achieved through comprehensive simulations and in-depth analysis of the numerical outcomes.

Alcohol Use and Abstinence throughout Adolescence: The Changing Contributions of Perceived Risk of Drinking, Opportunities to Drink, and Self-Control

Objective: Adolescence is characterized by psychosocial and cognitive changes that can alter the perceived risk of negative effects of alcohol, opportunities to drink, and self-control. Few studies have investigated whether these factors change in their contribution to adolescent drinking over time. This study examined associations between perceived risk, opportunities to drink, self-control, and past-year drinking and investigated whether self-control buffers the effect of lower perceived risk and frequent drinking opportunities on the probability of past-year drinking. Method: Data from a four-wave longitudinal study (2015–2020) of 2,104 North Carolina adolescents (Mage = 12.36, SDage = 1.12, at Time 1) were used to assess changes in associations between self-control, perceived risk of drinking, and drinking opportunities on the frequency of past-year drinking. Hypotheses were tested using latent trajectory models. Results: At all timepoints, greater perceived risk, fewer drinking opportunities, and higher self-control were associated with drinking abstinence in the past year. Self-control buffered the impact of frequent drinking opportunities and lower perceived risk on the probability of alcohol use at Times 1–3. Conclusions: Despite expectations that adolescents’ ability to navigate their environments improves as they age, associations between risk, protective factors, and past-year drinking were relatively stable over time. Nevertheless, self-control protected against frequent drinking opportunities and lower perceived risk. Strategies that support or relieve the need for self-control (e.g., situation modification) may protect against alcohol use throughout adolescence.

Prevalence and change in alcohol consumption in older adults over time, assessed with self-report and Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 -The HUNT Study.

Changes in alcohol consumption may affect older adults' health. We examined prevalence and changes in the alcohol consumption of older women and men (≥65 years) in Norway over a 24-year period. Data from three population-based health surveys (The Trøndelag Health Study-HUNT2 1995-97, HUNT3 2006-08, HUNT4 2017-19) were used. Alcohol consumption was measured using self-reported measures and an objective measure of alcohol consumption (Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1, PEth). Self-reported lifetime abstinence, former drinking, current drinking, frequent drinking (≥4 times/week), and risk drinking (≥8 units/week) were measured. The PEth concentrations were stratified: <0.03 μmol/l (abstinence/very low level of alcohol consumption); >0.06 μmol/l (indicating >1 unit/day); >0.10 μmol/l (indicating >3 units/day), and >0.30 μmol/l (heavy alcohol consumption). In HUNT4, the prevalence of self-reported lifetime abstinence, frequent drinking, and risk drinking was 5.2%, 4.4%, and 5.6%, respectively, while prevalence of PEth <0.03 μmol/l was 68.1% and PEth >0.06 μmol/l was 21.2%. Over the course of the three surveys, the prevalence of self-reported lifetime abstinence decreased, while the prevalence of frequent drinking and risk drinking increased. Men were less often abstainers and more often frequent and risky drinkers than women in all three surveys. Gender differences for abstinence and current drinking reduced with time. From HUNT3 to HUNT4, the prevalence of PEth <0.03 μmol/l decreased, while the prevalence of PEth >0.06 μmol/l increased. Men compared to women, had less often PEth <0.03 μmol/l and more often PEth >0.06 and >0.10 μmol/l in HUNT3 and HUNT4. Women and men ≥75 years were just as likely to have PEth >0.30 μmol/l in HUNT4. The gender differences in PEth concentrations were reduced in HUNT4 among those aged 70-74 years or ≥75 years. Alcohol consumption has increased among Norwegian older adults over a 24-year period, but at a slower pace during the last decade.

전라북도 청년층의 우울감 및 자살생각 결정요인

The purpose of the present study is to examine sex differences in determinants of depression and suicidal ideation risks among young adults in Jeollabuk-do before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, with focused on variables related to socioeconomic status and social isolation. Towards this end, we used the sample of twenties and thirties from the Korean Community Health Survey data in 2017 and 2021. During the pandemic, we found 1) the greater gradient in moderate or stronger depressive symptoms along educational attainment and the principle economic status regardless of gender and in suicidal ideation among economically inactive women during the pandemic; 2) the wider difference in the risk of suicidal thought between the married and the single due to divorce, separation, or non-marriage; and 3) solitary living and residing in urban areas as independent risk factors for both depression and suicidal ideation among women and for depression regardless of sex, respectively. In addition, good environmental amenities in neighborhood serves as a resource factor for mental health, whereas high risk drinking is more likely to suppress the association between depression and suicidal ideation among women than among men. From the perspective of the internal inequalities within the same group of young adults, we provide overarching principles to overcome their health disparities for local policy makers and practitioners based on our main findings.

CYP4V2 rs56413992 C > T was associated with the risk of coronary heart disease in the Chinese Han population: a case–control study

PurposeThe research aimed to detect the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP4V2 gene and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.MethodsThis case–control study included 487 CHD subjects and 487 healthy individuals. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the connection between five SNPs in CYP4V2 (rs1398007, rs13146272, rs3736455, rs1053094, and rs56413992) and CHD risk, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the connection.ResultsAs a result, we found that rs56413992 T allele (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.09–1.70, p = 0.007) and CT genotype (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06–1.83, p = 0.017) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD in the overall analysis. Precisely, rs56413992 was linked to an elevated risk of CHD in people aged > 60, males, smokers and drinkers. The study also indicated that rs1398007 was linked to an increased CHD risk in drinkers. In addition, rs1053094 was correlated with a decreased risk of CHD complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and rs1398007 was correlated with a decreased risk of CHD complicated with hypertension (HTN).ConclusionThis study was the first to experimentally demonstrate that CYP4V2 rs56413992 was associated with the risk of CHD, which will provide a certain reference for revealing the pathogenesis of CHD.

The causal relationship between metabolic factors, drinking, smoking and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a Mendelian randomization study.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer. While multiple risk factors for iCCA have been established, metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, NAFLD, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) and other risk factors, including smoking and drinking, are still controversial due to their potential confounders. Here, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to identify the causal relationship between them. In this study, we obtained GWAS data related to exposures from corresponding large genome-wide association studies. Summary-level statistical data for iCCA were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB). We performed a univariable MR analysis to identify whether genetic evidence of exposure was significantly associated with iCCA risk. A multivariable MR analysis was conducted to estimate the independent effects of exposures on iCCA. Univariable and multivariable MR analysis based on the large GWAS data indicated that there is little evidence to support the genetic role of metabolic factors, smoking, drinking, and NAFLD in iCCA development (P >0.05). In contrast to most current studies, their impact on iCCA development, if any, might be smaller than we thought. The previous positive results might be due to the comorbidities between diseases and potentially unavoidable confounding factors. In this MR study, we found no strong evidence to support causal associations between metabolic factors, NAFLD, smoking, drinking, and iCCA risk.

Prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption among women of reproductive age group in urban settings of Sikkim: a cross sectional study

Background: Alcohol consumption by women of reproductive age group not only affects their health but can also cause multiple adverse birth outcomes. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption among women of reproductive age group in urban field practice areas of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) by using a structured questionnaire and WHO tool, AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test). Methods: The study was a cross sectional study. A total of 284 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and AUDIT. Results: The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption was 36.6%. Proportion of alcohol users was more among women of 25-34 years. Almost 95% of the women are current users (alcohol use in past 12 months). Beer was mostly preferred over other types of alcoholic beverages. Social customs (36.5%) and stress (25%) were the main reasons for consumption of alcohol. Based on AUDIT score, low risk drinking 68.6% was the predominant drinking pattern reported. However, one fourth of the women fall into hazardous pattern of drinking and 3 out of every 100 women had harmful and dependent pattern of drinking respectively. Conclusions: The present study highlights the prevalence of alcohol consumption among women of reproductive age group in urban field practice areas of SMIMS. Socio-cultural factors and stressful life plays an influential role in consumption of alcohol. Although low risk drinking is the predominant pattern of alcohol use, an alarming 31% of women consuming alcohol are at risk of developing alcohol related harm.

Commentary on Brennan et al.: Pros and cons of minimum unit price for alcohol.

Commentary on Brennan et al.: Pros and cons of minimum unit price for alcohol.

Alcohol use and drinking patterns in Swedish 85 year olds born three decades apart - findings from the Gothenburg H70 study.

Little is known about alcohol consumption among the oldest old. To compare alcohol use and drinking patterns among 85 year olds born three decades apart. Cross-sectional. The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies. About 1,160 85 year olds born in 1901-02, 1923-24, and 1930. Self-reported questions about alcohol included how often study participants drank beer, wine, and spirits and how many centilitres in total/week. Risk consumption was defined as ≥100g alcohol/week. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to explore cohort characteristics, differences in proportions, factors associated with risk consumption and 3-year mortality. The proportion of at-risk drinkers increased from 4.3 to 14.9% (9.6-24.7% in men and 2.1-9.0% in women). The proportion of abstainers decreased from 27.7 to 12.9%, with the largest decrease observed among women (29.3-14.1%). Controlling for sex, education and marital status, 85 year olds in the later-born cohorts were more likely to be risk consumers than those in the earlier-born cohort [odds ratio (OR) 3.1, 95% confidence nterval (CI) 1.8-5.6]. The only factor associated with an increased likelihood was male sex (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-12.7 and OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0-5.1). There were no associations between risk consumption of alcohol and 3-year mortality in any of the cohorts. Alcohol consumption and the number of risk consumers among 85 year olds have increased considerably. This could have large public health consequences since older adults are more sensitive to alcohol's adverse health effects. Our findings show the importance of detecting risk drinkers also in the oldest old.

Risk Factors for Binge Drinking in Young Adulthood: The Roles of Aggregate Genetic Liability and Impulsivity-Related Processes.

Binge drinking is characterized by excessive alcohol use and is widespread in youth. We explore the relationship between binge drinking's risk factors by considering (a) aggregate genetic liability (polygenic risk score [PGS]) for alcohol use and problems and (b) impulsivity-related processes. We examined whether the associations between PGS and binge drinking were mediated by impulsivity, with a possible shared genetic liability between alcohol phenotypes and impulsivity. Participants were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 2,545). We evaluated PGS for alcohol use and problems and impulsivity-related processes (sensation seeking at age 18 and inhibition at age 24) and measured binge drinking frequency (24 years old) as the outcome. Correlations and structural equation models were used to test a hypothesized model of the relationships among these variables. Higher binge drinking frequency was related to higher aggregate genetic liability for alcohol use and problems in both models (standardized betas = .055-.064, all ps < .009). We found an association between binge drinking and sensation seeking (standardized beta = .224, p < .0001) but not inhibition (standardized beta = -.015, p = .437). Although the association between binge drinking and PGS for alcohol use and problems was mainly direct, a proportion of the association with alcohol problems was mediated by sensation seeking (14.61%). Targeting sensation seeking at the end of adolescence may be means to prevent binge drinking in adulthood, whereas considering the role of genetic factors may improve our understanding of at-risk youth.

Exploring HIV status as a mediator in the relationship of psychological distress with socio-demographic and health related factors in South Africa: findings from the 2012 nationally representative population-based household survey

BackgroundPsychological distress as measured by mental disorders like depression and anxiety is more prevalent in people living with HIV (PLHIV) than in the general population. However, the relationship between mental disorders and HIV is complex and bidirectional. Improved understanding of the relationship between mental disorders and HIV is important for designing interventions for this group. This paper explores the interrelationships of psychological distress with HIV and associated socio-demographic and health-related factors.MethodsThis secondary data analysis used the 2012 South African population-based household survey on HIV collected using a cross-sectional multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design. Generalized structural equation modelling (G-SEM) path analysis was used to explore the direct and indirect relationships of socio-demographic, health and HIV-related factors with psychological distress as measured by Kessler 10 scale using HIV status as a moderator variable.ResultsA total of 20,083 participants were included in the study, 21.7% reported psychological distress, of whom (32.6%) were HIV positive. In the final path model with HIV status as a moderator, psychological distress was significantly more likely among age group 25–49 years (AOR: 1.4 [95% CI 1.3–1.6]), age 50 years and older, (AOR: 1.4 [95% CI 1.2–1.6]), females (AOR: 1.6 [95% CI 1.4–1.8]), high risk drinkers (AOR: 1.9 [1.6–2.2]) hazardous drinkers (AOR: 4.4 [95% CI 3.1–6.3]), ever tested for HIV (AOR: 1.2 [95% CI 1.1–1.3]). Psychological distress was significantly less likely among the married [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)], other race groups [AOR: 0.5 (0.5–0.6)], those with secondary level education (AOR: 0.9 [95% CI 0.8–0.9]), and tertiary level education (AOR: 0.7 [95% CI 0.6–0.9]), those from rural informal [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)], and rural formal [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)] areas and those who rated their health as excellent/good [AOR: 0.4 (0.4–0.5)].ConclusionThe findings highlight the importance of designing tailored interventions targeted at psychological distress among PLHIV especially the elderly, females, those with no education and / or low education attainment and those residing in informal urban areas.

여성 군 근무자 건강검진 결과의 10년간 추이분석(2009∼2018년)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the yearly trend of Korean female military workers’ health behaviors and health examination results. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of 77,834 female military personnels'' health check-up data in 2009~2018 from the National Health Insurance Service. Results: The rate of smoking, high risk drinking and physical activity increased over time. In "category - normal B", prevalence of diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased; however, that of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride showed the increasing trend. In "category - suspected disease", the prevalence of anemia decreased. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, however, significantly increased over the past ten years. In addition, obesity and metabolic syndrome rate showed the increasing trend. Conclusion: We found that there are uniqueness in analysis results in female military workers compared to even females in the same age groups. Thus, it is necessary to establish a tailored health promotion policy considering the characteristics of female military workers. It would contribute to improving their health behaviors and preventing diseases.

한국 중장년 기혼남녀의 위험음주와 우울의 관계에서 사회적지지의 완충효과

This study aims to improve the quality of life of middle-aged married men and women and their families by examining the relationship between risk drinking and depression in middle-aged married men and women, and by exploring the buffering effects of social support, family support, and friend support based on the relationship. There is this. In order to achieve this purpose, correlation analysis was conducted on 702 people who have a family of two or more in the online survey data. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine whether risk drinking had an effect on depression and whether social support had an interactive effect in this relationship. The main results are: First, risk drinking precedes depression and becomes an inducer of depression, which supports the toxicity hypothesis. Second, the higher the educational background and income, the lower the depression. Third, in the influence of risk drinking on depression, in the group with high social support, family support, and friend support, even if risk drinking increased, the degree of depression was moderately increased. Fourth, in the analysis of the three support models and the moderating effect according to gender in the effect of risk drinking on depression, it was found that only in the case of women, the buffer effect was found to be statistically significant in friend support. Based on the results, social welfare interventions were discussed for risk drinking, depression, and social support in middle-aged married men and women.

Toxic Habits and Well-Being Measures in Spanish Healthcare University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles are strongly entrenched in healthcare universities and have sometimes been linked to stress or lack of sleep. This study investigated the prevalence of toxic habits (smoking, patterns of harmful alcohol use, and illicit drug use), stress levels, perceived health status, and sleep duration and assessed the connections between toxic habits and said well-being measures, as well as healthcare students’ perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these health-related behaviors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, healthcare students from Alfonso X University (Spain) completed a health survey composed of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), self-perceived health status, and the number of hours of sleep. Results: A total of 997 healthcare students completed the survey, of which 982 were analyzed. Being a smoker (32.2%) was associated with worse health status and insufficient sleep. Risk drinkers (33.2%) were associated with being female, and the consumption of cannabinoids (6.7%), with being male. These three toxic habits were related to each other. High levels of stress (28.2%) were correlated with worse ratings in the perception of health status (29.2%) and with insufficient sleep (45.8%), and all of them were associated with the female sex. Respectively, 49.3% and 44.2% of students recognized a worsening in their perception of stress and their sleep habits during the pandemic. Conclusion: Healthcare universities must carry out health promotion programs for stress management, sleep habits, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Lifestyle patterns and incident type 2 diabetes in the Dutch lifelines cohort study

We aimed to identify the underlying subgroups of the population characterized by distinct lifestyle patterns, and to investigate the associations between lifestyle patterns and risk of incident type 2 diabetes. Using data from the Dutch Lifelines cohort study, latent class analysis was performed to derive lifestyle patterns on five lifestyle factors, i.e., smoking, diet quality, TV watching time, physical activity level, and risk drinking. Associations between lifestyle patterns and incident type 2 diabetes were estimated. Among 61,869 participants analyzed, we identified 900 cases of type 2 diabetes during follow-up (205,696 person-years; incidence rate 4.38 per 1000 person-years). Five lifestyle pattern groups were identified. Using the “healthy lifestyle group” as reference, the “unhealthy lifestyle group” had the highest risk for type 2 diabetes (HR 1.51 [95%CI 1.24, 1.85]), followed by the “poor diet and low physical activity group” (HR 1.26 [95%CI 1.03, 1.55]). The “risk drinker group” and the “couch potato group” (characterized by excessive TV watching) showed no significantly elevated risk. These models were adjusted for age, sex, total energy intake, education, BMI, family history of diabetes, and blood glucose level at baseline. Our study shows that lifestyle factors tended to cluster in unique behavioral patterns within the heterogeneous population. These lifestyle patterns were differentially associated with incident type 2 diabetes. Our findings support the relevance of considering lifestyle patterns in type 2 diabetes prevention. Tailored prevention strategies that target multiple lifestyle risk factors for different lifestyle pattern groups may optimize the effectiveness of diabetes prevention at the population level.