Fast Alcohol Screening Test Research Articles

Prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption and associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant women attending public hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentred cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlcohol is a major public health problem in pregnant women due to its harmful effects on pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. Therefore, assessing the prevalence and the factors associated with...

Domestic, family and sexual violence polyvictimisation and health experiences of Australian nurses, midwives and carers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDomestic, family and sexual violence is a prevalent health and social issue. Nurses may be exposed to higher rates of this violence in their personal lives compared to the community, but little is known about their polyvictimisation experiences or health and well-being impacts.MethodsAn online descriptive, cross-sectional survey of women nurses, midwives and carer members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) (Victorian Branch) (response rate: 15.2% of nurses sent an invitation email/28.4% opened the email). Violence survey measures included: intimate partner violence (Composite Abuse Scale); child abuse and sexual violence (Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey items). Health measures included: Short Form-12; Fast Alcohol Screening Test; Patient Health Questionnaire-4; Short Screening for DSM-IV Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; well-being measures included: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, social support, and financial stress. Proportions were used to describe the prevalence of violence by sociodemographic characteristics and health and well-being issues; logistic regression predicted the odds of experiencing overlapping types of violence and of experiencing health and well-being outcomes.Results5,982 participants (from a parent study of 10,674 nurses, midwives and carers) had experienced at least one type of lifetime violence; half (50.1%) had experienced two or three types (polyvictimisation). Survivors of child abuse were three times more likely to experience both intimate partner violence and non-partner adult sexual assault. Any violence was associated with poorer health and well-being, and the proportion of affected participants increased as the types of violence they had experienced increased. Violence in the last 12-months was associated with the poorest health and well-being.ConclusionsFindings suggest a cumulative, temporal and injurious life course effect of domestic, family and sexual violence. The polyvictimisation experiences and health and well-being associations reported by survivor nurses, midwives and carers underscores the need for more accessible and effective workplace interventions to prevent and mitigate psychosocial ill health, especially in the recent aftermath of violence.

Development of Fast Alcohol Screening Test Implementation and Electronic Nursing Interventions for Adolescents with Alcohol Abuse: A Literature Review

Aims: This literature review aims to theoretically analyze the rationale for developing this electronic application to cover all aspects of adolescent mental health life and as a promotive and preventive tool for adolescents with alcohol abusers. Methods: The literature review method was carried out on ten articles which were obtained from five databases namely PUBMED, Google Scholar, ClinicalKey Nursing, ProQuest, Science Direct. The keywords for article search were "FAST (Fast alcohol screening test)", "electronic-based nursing care", "alcohol abuse", "adolescent". The criteria for articles considered included articles available in English and Indonesian and published between 2017 and 2023. Results: This review shows that the use of FAST and electronic-based nursing care can improve the quality of nursing care. Conclusion: The utilization of technology in the screening test process and electronic based nursing care in nursing care is one of the alternative problem solving and especially can improve the quality of nursing care.

Factorial Structure and Diagnostic Accuracy of a Digital Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (d-AUDIT) to Detect Hazardous and Problematic Drinking in Primary Care.

We studied the factorial structure and diagnostic performance in primary care of a digital version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (d-AUDIT) for screening for excessive drinking. In two primary care centers in Santiago, Chile, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 330 people 18 years of age or older who had drunk alcohol six or more times in the last year. The d-AUDIT was developed from the paper version validated in Chile and was self-administered on 7-inch tablets. Trained psychologists evaluated the participants using a 1-year Timeline Followback and the alcohol use disorders section from the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. We used confirmatory factorial analysis to examine the structure of the d-AUDIT and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) to examine the diagnostic performance of the d-AUDIT. A two-factor model presented good overall fit, with item loads in the 0.53-0.88 range. The correlation among factors was .74, reflecting a good discriminant validity. The total score and the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) score (i.e., bingeing, role failure, blackouts, and others' concern items) obtained the best diagnostic performance for problematic drinking, with AUCs of 0.94 (CI [0.91, 0.97]) and 0.92 (CI [0.88, 0.96]), respectively. The FAST could differentiate hazardous drinking (cut point three in men and one in women) from problematic drinking (cut point four in men and two in women). We replicated prior factor analysis findings of a two-factor structure for the d-AUDIT with a good discriminant validity. The FAST obtained excellent diagnostic performance and retained some ability to discriminate between hazardous and problematic drinking.

Alcohol and physical activity screening in the National Health Service Health Check programme: Comparison of medical records and actual practice

ObjectivesNational data for the National Health Service (NHS) Health Check programme (in England), collected by University College London, Public Health England and NHS Digital, found that physical activity and alcohol was recorded in just 64.5% and 38.3% of patient records, respectively. We examined video recorded NHS Health Checks from the RIsk COmmunication in NHS Health Check study (collected 2018–19) to explore alcohol and physical activity measurement, comparing recorded and actual activity. Study designObservational study. MethodsAnonymised medical records and transcripts of 130 video-recorded NHS Health Checks from 12 general practices were compared to understand use of alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise, Fast Alcohol Screening Test) and physical activity (General Practitioner Physical Activity Questionnaire) measures. ResultsFindings showed considerable discrepancies between how alcohol measurement was recorded in the patient's medical record and how it was assessed in practice. Equally, practitioners completed or partially completed AUDIT in fewer than half of patients who were perceived to be eligible for further screening. There was more consistency in physical activity assessment. Omitted questions, related to physical activity, were largely around work-related physical activity. ConclusionsOverall, inconsistent use of recommended tools for screening alcohol and physical activity in NHS Health Check suggests that some practitioners do not follow recommended national guidance. Omission of certain questions led to missed opportunities for practitioners to discuss alcohol consumption, particularly with those who reported apparently excessive alcohol consumption (>14 units per week). Interviews with NHS Health Check practitioners may help to understand barriers to following recommended practice and identify areas for improvement. ClassificationRestricted.

Depression remains a neglected public health problem among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundAntenatal depression is highly prevalent but a neglected public health problem in low income countries. It has serious effects on the general health of women, birth outcomes and child health. However, there has been limited substantial evidence on the prevalence and predictors of antenatal depression in Ethiopia. This lack of evidence potentiates the consequences of the problem and can limit the attention to intervention. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and potential predictors of antenatal depression at Debre Tabor and Woreta towns, Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was employed on 548 pregnant women recruited by a cluster sampling method. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q), the Oslo-3 Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Scale and Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) were also used to measure stressful events, social support, intimate partner violence (IPV) and hazardous alcohol use respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with antenatal depression.ResultsThe prevalence of antenatal depression was found to be 24.45% (95% CI: 21.20, 28.30%). Being single (AOR =3.32, 95% CI = 1.36, 8.09); fear of pregnancy complication (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.53,9.62); history of chronic illness (AOR = 8.14, 95% CI = 2.14, 30.91); unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.36,6.55); history of stillbirth (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.23, 10.29),one or more negative life events (AOR = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.71, 9.66) and intimate partner violence (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.65, 9.26) were factors significantly associated with antenatal depression.ConclusionNearly a quarter of pregnant women suffer from depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Being single; fear of pregnancy complication; history of chronic illness; unplanned pregnancy; history of stillbirth; one or more negative life events and intimate partner violence were important predictors of antenatal depression in this study. Health care workers should consider addressing these risk factors during a routine antenatal care. Also, integrating early screening, detection, and treatment of antenatal depression into routine antenatal care is warranted to improve the quality of life of pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes as well.

Does the Fast Alcohol Screening Test Accurately Distinguish Between Harmful and Severely Dependent Tiers of Alcohol Misuse?

AimsPrimary aim: to determine the efficacy of FAST (the Fast Alcohol Screening Test) for detecting harmful and dependent levels of alcohol use. Secondary aim: to compare the performance of the FAST to two short forms of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT): the AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3.MethodsData from 3336 individuals in South Wales, compiled from full AUDIT datasets, were examined. AUROC analysis, alongside measures of sensitivity and specificity of the FAST, AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3 were utilized for the identification of harmful and dependent alcohol use.ResultsThe FAST demonstrated efficacy in the identification of harmful and dependent levels of alcohol use, with superior performance to both the AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3.ConclusionThe present paper demonstrates the potential of the FAST as a cost- and time-effective method for appropriate screening and signposting in the stepped care model utilized by many health care and treatment services. Further studies are needed to ensure validity, both within the general population and for specific services and populations.

Completeness and validity of alcohol recording in general practice within the UK: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSince 2010 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended screening adults for excessive alcohol consumption to try and help prevent alcohol-use disorders. Little is known about the...

Risk Factors for Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in an Acute Hospital Population.

The literature lacks consensus to the factors that increase the risk of a patient developing severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS). The study set out to identify the variables that increase the risk of SAWS in patients who have alcohol dependence syndrome. A case-control study was designed to investigate the variables associated with SAWS in an acute hospital setting. Three hundred eighty-two case and 382 control patients were randomly selected retrospectively from referrals to the acute addiction liaison nursing service during a 12-month period (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015). Statistical significance (p < .05) and association with SAWS were calculated using chi-square, Cramer's V test, odds ratio, and Levene's test. Twenty-four variables have been identified as associated with SAWS development. Five of the 24 variables had a moderate-to-strong association with SAWS risk: Fast Alcohol Screening Test, Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale score, AWS admission, hours since the last drink, and systolic blood pressure. The study also identified that comorbidity was associated with not developing SAWS. These findings confirm that noninvasive variables collected in the emergency department are useful in identifying a person's risk of developing SAWS. The results of this study are a useful starting point in the exploration of SAWS and the development of a tool for use in the emergency department that can stratify risk into high and low and is the next stage of this program of work.

Development of an alcohol withdrawal risk stratification tool based on patients referred to an addiction liaison nursing service in Glasgow

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an alcohol withdrawal syndrome risk stratification tool that could support the safe discharge of low risk patients from the emergency department. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective cohort study that included all patients referred to the acute addiction liaison nursing service over one calendar month (n=400, 1–30 April 2016) was undertaken. Bivariate and multivariate modelling identified the significant variables that supported the prediction of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS) in the cohort population. Findings The Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (GMAWS), hours since last drink, fast alcohol screening test (FAST) and systolic blood pressure correctly identified 89 per cent of patients who developed SAWS and 84 per cent of patients that did not. Increasing each component by a score of one is associated with an increase in the odds of SAWS by a factor of 2.76 (95% CI 2.21, 3.45), 1.31 (95% CI 1.24, 1.37), 1.30 (95% CI 1.08, 1.57) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.10, 1.34), respectively. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted in a single healthcare system that had a high prevalence of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). Second, the developed risk stratification tool was unable to guarantee no risk and lastly, the FAST score previously aligned to severe ADS may have influenced the patients highest GMAWS score. Practical implications The tool could help redesign the care pathway for patients who attend the emergency department at risk of SAWS and link low risk patients with community alcohol services better equipped to deal with their physical and psychological needs short and long term supporting engagement, abstinence and prolongation of life. Originality/value The tool could help redesign the care pathway for emergency department patients at low risk of SAWS and link them with community alcohol services better equipped to deal with their physical and psychological needs, short and long term, supporting engagement, abstinence and prolongation of life.

Validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in Eritrean refugees living in Ethiopia

BackgroundDepression is among the top mental health problems with a major contribution to the global burden of disease. This study aimed at identifying the latent factor structure and construct validity...

Construct validity and factor structure of sense of coherence (SoC-13) scale as a measure of resilience in Eritrean refugees living in Ethiopia

BackgroundThere is a scarcity of adapted measures to study resilience and mental health of people in humanitarian settings in Africa. The aim of this study was to identify the factor structure and other psychometric properties of the Sense of Coherence (SoC-13) scale in Eritrean refugees living in Ethiopia.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, 562 adults were selected randomly from Eritrean refugees living in Mai Aini camp, Ethiopia. The SoC-13, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D), the Pre and Post-Migration Living Difficulties checklist, the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder screener (PC-PTSD), the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSS-3), the Coping Style scale and the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) were administered concurrently. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to investigate the factor structure of the SoC-13 using IBM SPSS Amos, version 21.ResultA one factor model of the SoC with twelve items had the best fit to the current data (CFA = 0.982, RMSEA = 0.035 [90%CI = 0.018, 0.050]), with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.75). When all 13 items of the Tigrigna version were considered, there was an inverse association of SoC-13 with PC-PTSD(r = − 0.433, p < 0.001), CES-D (r = − 0.597, p < 0.001), Pre and post-migration living difficulties checklist (r = − 0.265, p < .001and r = − 0.249, p < 0.001 respectively), and FAST (r = − 0.105, p < 0.001), providing support for the divergent validity of the scale. The SoC-13 was associated positively with the Oslo Social Support scale (OSS-3)(r = 0.363 p < 0.001) and task-oriented coping (r = 0.089, p < 0.001), demonstrating convergent validity. The four items, specifically item-1, item-2, item-3 and item-12 have shown relatively weaker item loadings (β<0.40); but item-2 demonstrated non-significant loading (β = 0.06, p>0.05) in a one factor model of SoC-13.ConclusionsAlthough the 13-items of the Tigrigna version of the SoC scale loaded significantly onto their respective factors in the three factor model, only 12 items loaded significantly onto the one factor model, which demonstrated superior fit to the current data. Keeping in mind that future research should examine the conceptualizations of the four items demonstrating poor convergent validity in this Eritrean sample, the reduced Tigrigna version of SoC-12 is a reasonable measure of sense of coherence in this community.

Cumulative Trauma and Refugee Alcohol Misuse in Eritrean Refugees Living in Ethiopia: Structural Equation Modeling

Aim: This study was aimed at testing an established model, indicating co morbidity of alcohol misuse with psychological symptoms (PTSD and depression) and its association with cumulative trauma. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 562 adults were randomly selected from Eritrean refugees living in Mai Aini camp, Ethiopia. The Tigrigna versions of measures, namely: Pre and Post-Migration Living Difficulties checklist, Primary Care PTSD screener (PC-PTSD), Oslo Social Support Scale (OSS-3), Sense of Coherence Scale (SoC-13),Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale (CES-D), Coping Style scale and Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) were administered. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to test pre-specified models. Result: Alcohol misuse has significantly loaded onto the second-order common factor (β =0.21, p<0.001) with symptoms of PTSD and depression. Cumulative trauma is associated with this co morbid 'poor mental health' defining depression, PTSD and alcohol misuse both directly (β=0.76, p<0.001), and indirectly through psychological and social protective factors (indirect standardized coefficient=0.153, p=0.002) in a model which fitted to the current data [χ2/df =2.508, CFI=0.868; TLI=0.855, RMSEA= 0.052 (0.055 0.066)]. Conclusion: Cumulative trauma has directly and indirectly predicted poor mental health. Integrated assessment and intervention of alcohol misuse should be considered in refugee mental health care. Funding Statement: This study was financially supported by Addis Ababa University and University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Declaration of Interests: Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was conducted after obtaining an ethical clearance from Institutional Ethical Review Board (IRB) of College of Health Sciences in Addis Ababa University (AAU) under approval letter (protocol number: 052/14/Psy). Indeed, Ethical issues as outlined by declaration of Helsinki for human participants in medical research were adhered.

The influence of alcohol abuse on agitation, delirium and sedative requirements of patients admitted to a general intensive care unit.

Patients with alcohol-related disease constitute an increasing proportion of those admitted to intensive care unit. There is currently limited evidence regarding the impact of alcohol use on levels of agitation, delirium and sedative requirements in intensive care unit. This study aimed to determine whether intensive care unit-admitted alcohol-abuse patients have different sedative requirements, agitation and delirium levels compared to patients with no alcohol issues. This retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database (June 2012-May 2013) included 257 patients. Subjects were stratified into three risk categories: alcohol dependency (n = 69), at risk (n = 60) and low risk (n = 128) according to Fast Alcohol Screening Test scores and World Health Organisation criteria for alcohol-related disease. Data on agitation and delirium were collected using validated retrospective chart-screening methods and sedation data were extracted and then log-transformed to fit the regression model. Incidence of agitation (p = 0.034) and delirium (p = 0.041) was significantly higher amongst alcohol-dependent patients compared to low-risk patients as was likelihood of adverse events (p = 0.007). In contrast, at-risk patients were at no higher risk of these outcomes compared to the low-risk group. Alcohol-dependent patients experienced suboptimal sedation levels more frequently and received a wider range of sedatives (p = 0.019) but did not receive higher daily doses of any sedatives. Our analysis demonstrates that when admitted to intensive care unit, it is those who abuse alcohol most severely, alcohol-dependent patients, rather than at-risk drinkers who have a significantly increased risk of agitation, delirium and suboptimal sedation. These patients may require closer assessment and monitoring for these outcomes whilst admitted.

Investigating the effect of Alcohol Brief Interventions within accident and emergency departments using a data informatics methodology

BackgroundAlcohol Brief Interventions (ABI) have been implemented throughout Scotland since 2008 and aim to reduce hazardous drinking through a Scottish Government funded initiative delivered in a range of settings, including Accident and Emergency (A and E) departments. PurposeTo study the extent to which Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABI) are associated with later health service use. MethodAn opportunistic informatics approach was applied. A unique patient identifier was used to link patient data with core datasets spanning two years previous and two years post ABI. Variables included inpatient attendance, outpatient attendance, psychiatric admissions, and A and E attendance and prescribing. Patients (N = 1704) who presented at A and E departments who reported an average alcohol consumption of more than 8 units daily received the ABI. Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) was used to assess patients for hazardous alcohol consumption. Multilevel linear modelling was employed to predict post-intervention utilisation using pre-ABI variables and controlling for person characteristics and venue. ResultsSignificant decrease in A and E usage was found at one and two years following the ABI intervention. Previous health service use was predictive of later service use. A single question (Item 4) on the FAST was predictive of A and E attendance at one and two years. ConclusionsThis investigation and methodology used provide support for the delivery of the ABI. However, it cannot be ascertained whether this is due to the ABI or simply is a result of making contact with a specialist in the addiction field.

Exploring health visitors' perspectives of screening parents for alcohol misuse

As health visitors have ongoing supportive contact with almost all families, they have opportunities to screen parents for their alcohol use. The objective of this study was to explore approaches taken by health visitors to screening and identify parents drinking hazardous amounts of alcohol. The researchers used a focus group study design and a convenience sample of 24 health visitors, with five recruited. Using hermeneutic thematic analysis, five main themes emerged: knowledge of alcohol guidance and ways in which health visitors screen while evaluating national screening tools; health visitors' perceived barriers to screening; health visitors' attitudes towards giving and receiving advice; and health visitors' self-efficacy and training needs. The results showed that health visitors were inconsistent in their approaches to screening, but stated that they thought the use of tools such as the Fast Alcohol Screening Test would be highly beneficial. Health visitors felt that they were insufficiently trained in alcohol screening, and that national and local guidance is required to support referrals and to standardise practice.

Alcohol screening for older adults in an acute general hospital: FAST v. MAST-G assessments.

Aims and method Documented prevalence of alcohol misuse among older adult patients at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital is significantly lower than the national prevalence. We aimed to evaluate our alcohol misuse screening protocol for older adults to identify possible shortcomings. Hospital protocol is to screen all adults for alcohol misuse in the accident and emergency (A&E) department using the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST). One hundred consecutive consenting in-patients aged 65-94 admitted via A&E subsequently undertook an additional alcohol screening test (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric version; MAST-G). Results of the two tests were compared.Results FAST screening was completed for 71 patients and none were FAST-positive for alcohol misuse, yet using MAST-G, 18 patients scored positively for alcohol misuse. FAST screening failed to identify 8 patients with a documented history of alcohol misuse.Clinical implications Older adult alcohol misuse prevalence is significantly underreported using FAST. Screening older adults for alcohol problems requires a different approach to screening the general population.

Hazardous alcohol use and associated factors in a rural Ethiopian district: a cross-sectional community survey.

BackgroundAlcohol related health and social problems are on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. This survey reports the prevalence and associated factors for hazardous drinking in rural Sodo district, southern Ethiopia. The survey was part of a multi-center study, Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME), which is a consortium of research institutions and ministries of health of five low and middle income countries, namely Ethiopia, India, Nepal, South Africa and Uganda in partnership with UK institutions and World Health Organization (WHO).MethodsA cross-sectional community survey was conducted involving 1500 adults, age 18 and above, recruited using multi-stage random sampling. Data on alcohol use was collected using the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST). Standardised instruments were used to measure potential associated factors, including a validated adaptation of the Kessler 10 (psychological distress), the List of Threatening Experiences (number of adverse life events). Exploratory multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with hazardous alcohol use.ResultsThe overall prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was found to be 21 %; 31 % in males and 10.4 % in females, P < 0.05. Factors independently associated with hazardous alcohol use were being male (adjusted OR = 4.0, 95 % CI = 2.44, 6.67), increasing age, having experienced one or more stressful life events (adjusted OR = 1.71, 95 % CI = 1.18, 2.48, and adjusted OR = 2.12, 95 % CI = 1.36, 3.32 for 1–2 and 3 or more adverse life events, respectively) and severe psychological distress (adjusted OR = 2.96, 95 % CI = 1.49, 5.89). High social support was found to be protective from hazardous alcohol use (adjusted OR = 0.41, 95 % CI = 0.23, 0.72).ConclusionHigh level of hazardous alcohol use was detected in this predominantly rural Ethiopian setting. The finding informed the need to integrate services for hazardous alcohol use such as brief intervention at different levels of primary care services in the district. Public health interventions to reduce hazardous alcohol use also need to be launched.

Effectiveness of Alcohol Brief Intervention in a General Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an alcohol brief intervention (ABI) on alcohol consumption in hazardous or harmful drinkers compared with screening alone within a general hospital setting. Following screening, 124 hazardous or harmful drinkers (103 men, ages 18-80 years, score of 3-12 on the Fast Alcohol Screening Test [FAST]) admitted to medical and orthopedic wards during the 13-month recruitment period were randomized to receive an ABI or control. The intervention group received an ABI where they were supported to set their own personalized alcohol reduction goals, and both groups received a health information leaflet. Retrospective alcohol consumption for 7 days was reported for the week, before hospital admission and 6 months after it. Demographics and clinical characteristics at baseline showed no statistical differences between the two groups on all variables except FAST score, which was higher in the intervention group (p ≤ .05). A reduction of 85 grams of alcohol per week (95% CI [162.46, 7.54]) was observed between groups in favor of the intervention group based on changes from baseline. However, there was no significant difference between groups for absolute grams of alcohol per week at 6 months. A significant mean difference in favor of the intervention group (U = 1,537, p = .043) was observed for weekly heavy drinking episodes. Our results suggest screening with delivery of ABI for harmful/hazardous drinkers in a general hospital is beneficial in reducing alcohol consumption compared with screening alone.

Screening tools for psychiatry disorders in cancer setting: Caution when using

This study evaluated sensitivity/specificity of self-report instruments for the screening of psychiatric disorders/symptoms in cancer outpatients like: current/past major depression, dysthymia, alcohol abuse and dependence, tobacco abuse and dependence, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, current mania, delusion and hallucination. First, 1384 patients responded to several self-assessment instruments. Then, 400 patients, were then interviewed by telephone to confirm the presence/absence of psychiatric diagnosis. The ROC analyses showed moderate/excellent specificity (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4)=0.75–0.88, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)=0.77, Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST)=0.83–0.86, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)=0.72, Brief version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-Panic Disorder Module (Brief-PD)=0.75, and Self Reporting Questionnaire – psychosis items=(0.68–0.91) but low sensitivity (PHQ-4=0.53–0.54, GAD-7=0.52, FAST=0.48–0.58, FTND=0.97, and Brief-PD=0.66)). These results suggest that sensitivity indicators should be used with caution in the cancer clinical setting.