Hazardous Drinking Research Articles

Experiences of a mobile phone delivered brief intervention for hazardous drinking: A qualitative study nested in the AMBIT trial from Goa, India.

This study explores the experiences of participants receiving a mobile-based brief intervention (BI) for hazardous drinking in India, to determine characteristics that influenced engagement and examine perceived reasons for change in alcohol consumption. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 adult hazardous drinkers who received a mobile-based BI in the intervention arm of a pilot randomised control trial. Data were coded through an iterative process and analysed using thematic analysis. Study participants reported a positive experience, with factors such as customised intervention delivery and personal motivation facilitating their engagement. Participants reported a reduction in quantity and frequency of alcohol use. This was credited to the intervention, particularly, its provision of health-related information, goal-setting content and strategies to manage drinking. Apart from alcohol reduction, participants reported improvements in diet, lifestyle, wellbeing, and familial relations. By providing a context to explain the impact of the intervention, the learnings from this study can be used to strengthen the implementation of mobile-based interventions. This study outlines the scope for further research in digital health, such as Internet-based health interventions, and incorporating digital interventions within the ambit of existing health care programmes.

Predictive risk markers in alcoholism.

The medical disorders of alcoholism rank among the leading public health problems worldwide and the need for predictive and prognostic risk markers for assessing alcohol use disorders (AUD) has been widely acknowledged. Early-phase detection of problem drinking and associated tissue toxicity are important prerequisites for timely initiations of appropriate treatments and improving patient's committing to the objective of reducing drinking. Recent advances in clinical chemistry have provided novel approaches for a specific detection of heavy drinking through assays of unique ethanol metabolites, phosphatidylethanol (PEth) or ethyl glucuronide (EtG). Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) measurements can be used to indicate severe alcohol problems. Hazardous drinking frequently manifests as heavy episodic drinking or in combinations with other unfavorable lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet or adiposity, which aggravate the metabolic consequences of alcohol intake in a supra-additive manner. Such interactions are also reflected in multiple disease outcomes and distinct abnormalities in biomarkers of liver function, inflammation and oxidative stress. Use of predictive biomarkers either alone or as part of specifically designed biological algorithms helps to predict both hepatic and extrahepatic morbidity in individuals with such risk factors. Novel approaches for assessing progression of fibrosis, a major determinant of prognosis in AUD, have also been made available. Predictive algorithms based on the combined use of biomarkers and clinical observations may prove to have a major impact on clinical decisions to detect AUD in early pre-symptomatic stages, stratify patients according to their substantially different disease risks and predict individual responses to treatment.

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol-induced blackout in a diverse sample of veterans.

Alcohol-induced blackouts have been associated concurrently and prospectively with alcohol-related harm. Although rates of heavy drinking among military samples tend to be comparable or higher than rates among civilian samples, the prevalence and correlates of blackout in the military population are understudied. Veterans (N=241, 29% female, 39% Black) reported on their alcohol consumption and mental health as part of a larger health-related study among veterans. In this secondary analysis, we tested theoretically and empirically informed predictors (gender, drinking quantity, and other drug use) and consequences [depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)] of alcohol-induced blackout. Given the diversity of the sample, potential roles of racial/ethnic discrimination and drinking to cope in alcohol-induced blackout were also tested. Past-year prevalence of alcohol-induced blackout was 53% among veterans who drank alcohol and 68% among those who screened positive for hazardous drinking. Everyday experience of racial discrimination was the strongest concurrent predictor of alcohol-induced blackout. Drinking quantity and use of other drugs were significant correlates only in bivariate models. Controlling for gender, race, drinking quantity, other drug use, and discrimination, blackout frequency was significantly associated with symptoms of depression, but not symptoms of PTSD. Both blackout and racial discrimination were associated with drinking to cope. The prevalence and correlates of alcohol-induced blackout among veterans are largely consistent with those documented in civilian and young adult populations. Among racially diverse groups, racial discrimination may be more strongly associated with mental health symptoms than alcohol consumption or acute alcohol consequences such as blackout.

Significantly elevated phosphatidylethanol levels in recent suicide attempters, but not in depressed controls and healthy volunteers

IntroductionSuicide is a complex transdiagnostic phenomenon. It is strongly associated with, but not exclusive to major depressive disorder (MDD). Hazardous alcohol drinking has also been linked to an increased risk of suicidal behaviours, however, it is often underreported. The study aimed to evaluate whether an objective measure of chronic alcohol use, phosphatidylethanol (PEth) could be useful as a biomarker in clinical practice. Methodology. The present case-control multi-centric study recruited 156 participants into three study groups: 52 patients treated for major depressive disorder (MDD), 51 individuals immediately following a suicide attempt (SA), and 53 volunteers. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and laboratory data, including PEth concentrations and C-reactive protein levels, were collected from study participants. ResultsPEth concentrations were the highest in suicide attempters (232,54 ± 394,01 ng/ml), followed by patients with MDD (58,39 ± 135,82 ng/ml), and the control group (24,45 ± 70,83 ng/ml) (Kruskall Wallis χ2 = 12.23, df = 2, p = .002). In a multinomial logistic regression model with adjustments, PEth concentration was able to predict belonging to suicide attempters’ group, but not to depression group (p = .01). Suicide attempters were also more likely to underreport their recent alcohol consumption. LimitationsWe did not analyze SA methods, psychiatric comorbidity and several other factors that might be associated with PEth levels, such as body mass index, race, and haemoglobin levels. Sample recruited in hospital settings may not be representative of the whole population. The results of this adult-only study cannot be generalized to adolescents. ConclusionsPEth levels in recent suicide attempters significantly exceeded those of patients with MDD and controls. Suicide attempters also were more likely to underreport their alcohol consumption when questioned about their consuption. PEth might be an interesting biomarker to evaluate individuals at risk of SA.

PROBLEMATIC ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, KNOWLEDGE OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND HEALTH RISKS AMONG FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN IFAKARA, MOROGORO REGION, TANZANIA

Aims
 This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of alcohol use disorder, drinking attitude, knowledge of standard drinks and health risks associated with alcohol consumption among health science students in Ifakara town, Morogoro region in Tanzania.
 Design
 This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted between June and October 2020 among 372 medicine and allied health students. Participants were selected from the study institutions using random sampling. Results were presented by descriptive statistics, chi- square (χ2) test for associations and logistics regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence (CI) for alcohol use disorder among participants.
 Results
 The prevalence of alcohol consumption is 39.2% with males accounting a higher prevalence among drinkers (63.7%). Ages 21-25 accounted for the highest drinking prevalence (65.8% of drinkers). There were associations between drinking and gender (p=0.002), institution of study (p=0.000) and course of study (p=0.000). Ever drinkers were about 41% of respondents. The median age of first consumption is 20.0 (IQR: 17-22). The prevalence rates of AUD (AUDIT score greater than 8) is 16.4%. Women were significantly less likely than men to report AUD (OR=0.22, 95% CI (0.11-0.47), p<0.05). Over 60% of participants did not know the number of standard drinks in commonly sold alcoholic beverages in Tanzania.
 Conclusion
 The prevalence of alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking is high among health sciences students. There is also a poor knowledge of standard drinks and recommended drinking limits.

Hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders.

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive drugs globally. Hazardous drinking, defined by quantity and frequency of consumption, is associated with acute and chronic morbidity. Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are psychiatric syndromes characterized by impaired control over drinking and other symptoms. Contemporary aetiological perspectives on AUDs apply a biopsychosocial framework that emphasizes the interplay of genetics, neurobiology, psychology, and an individual's social and societal context. There is strong evidence that AUDs are genetically influenced, but with a complex polygenic architecture. Likewise, there is robust evidence for environmental influences, such as adverse childhood exposures and maladaptive developmental trajectories. Well-established biological and psychological determinants of AUDs include neuroadaptive changes following persistent use, differences in brain structure and function, and motivational determinants including overvaluation of alcohol reinforcement, acute effects of environmental triggers and stress, elevations in multiple facets of impulsivity, and lack of alternative reinforcers. Social factors include bidirectional roles of social networks and sociocultural influences, such as public health control strategies and social determinants of health. An array of evidence-based approaches for reducing alcohol harms are available, including screening, pharmacotherapies, psychological interventions and policy strategies, but are substantially underused. Priorities for the field include translating advances in basic biobehavioural research into novel clinical applications and, in turn, promoting widespread implementation of evidence-based clinical approaches in practice and health-care systems.

Hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders

Hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders

Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms Reported during Midlife: Results from the Monitoring the Future Study among US Adults at Modal Ages 50, 55, and 60

Background The extent to which adolescent substance use is associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms in midlife is not yet fully explored. Methods Longitudinal data from the national Monitoring the Future study was used. The sample included 11,830 12th graders (1976–1987) who were surveyed again at modal ages 50 (37.8%), 55 (46.3%), or 60 (15.8%) in 2008–2019. Approximately 48.7% were male; 81.5% identified as non-Hispanic White. Weighted logistic and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations between past 30-day use of cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol at age 18, sociodemographics, and a midlife AUD symptom outcome (coded as non-drinking, drinking without AUD [endorsed ≤1 criterion], or AUD symptoms [endorsed 2+ criteria]). Results Prevalence of midlife AUD symptoms was 27.1%. Higher relative risk of reporting AUD symptoms (vs. drinking without AUD) was associated with age 18 substance use (any cigarette use [vs. no use], any marijuana use [vs. no use], binge drinking [vs. both no use and drinking at less than binge levels]), being male (vs. female), being non-Hispanic White (vs. non-Hispanic Black), and having a 4-year college degree. Higher relative risk of reporting non-drinking (vs. drinking without AUD) was associated with no 30-day alcohol use at age 18, being non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic other (vs. non-Hispanic White), and not having a 4-year college degree. Conclusions Findings suggest substance use at age 18 has meaningful associations with midlife AUD symptoms. Dissemination of prevention and intervention efforts in adolescence and early adulthood may be important for reducing hazardous midlife drinking.

Causes of alcohol-attributable death and associated years of potential life lost among LGB and non-LGB veteran men and women in Veterans Health Administration

BackgroundAlcohol use is a significant concern nationally and research now highlights higher rates of alcohol attributable death (AAD) and years of potential life lost (YPLL) among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) veterans compared to non-LGB veterans. In this study, we examined specific causes of AAD and associated YPLL between LGB and non-LGB veteran men and women to highlight needed outreach, prevention, and treatment strategies. MethodsUsing data from the nationwide Veterans Health Administration electronic health record and National Death Index from 2014 to 2018, we examined the top ten ranked causes of AAD among LGB (n = 102,085) and non-LGB veteran (n = 5,300,521) men and women, as well as associated YPLL per AAD. ResultsWe observed higher rates of AAD among men than women, but higher rates among LGB veterans relative to their same-sex non-LGB counterparts. We noted greater YPLL per AAD among LGB men and all women compared to non-LGB men, even when of similar or same rank in cause of death. Acute-cause AAD death (e.g., alcohol-related suicide, poisonings) was ranked higher among LGB men and all women. YPLL was greater for both acute- and chronic-cause AAD (e.g., liver disease) among LGB men and all women compared to non-LGB men. ConclusionsCauses of AAD differ between LGB and non-LGB men and women. The differences observed highlight disparities in acute- and chronic-cause AAD between groups help explain the higher number of YPLL per AAD that disfavor LGB men and women veterans, and essential next steps in primary and secondary prevention of hazardous drinking and mortality risk.

Correspondence between alcohol use measured by a wrist-worn alcohol biosensor and self-report via ecological momentary assessment over a 2-week period.

Transdermal alcohol biosensors measure alcohol use continuously, passively, and non-invasively. There is little field research on the Skyn biosensor, a new-generation, wrist-worn transdermal alcohol biosensor, and little evaluation of its sensitivity and specificity and the day-level correspondence between transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) and number of self-reported drinks. Participants (N=36; 61% male, M age =34.3) wore the Skyn biosensor and completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys about their alcohol use over 2 weeks. A total of 497 days of biosensor and EMA data were collected. Skyn-measured drinking episodes were defined by TAC > 5 μg/L. Skyn data were compared to self-reported drinking to calculate sensitivity and specificity (for drinking day vs. nondrinking day). Generalized estimating equations models were used to evaluate the correspondence between TAC features (peak TAC and TAC-area under the curve (AUC)) and number of drinks. Individual-level factors (sex, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, human immunodeficiency virus status, and hazardous drinking) were examined to explore associations with TAC controlling for number of drinks. Using a minimum TAC threshold of 5 μg/L plus coder review, the biosensor had sensitivity of 54.7% and specificity of 94.6% for distinguishing drinking from nondrinking days. Without coder review, the sensitivity was 78.1% and the specificity was 55.2%. Peak TAC (β=0.92, p < 0.0001) and TAC-AUC (β=1.60, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with number of drinks. Females had significantly higher TAC levels than males for the same number of drinks. Skyn-derived TAC can be used to measure alcohol use under naturalistic drinking conditions, additional research is needed to accurately identify drinking episodes based on Skyn TAC readings.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF ALCOHOL AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Elevated levels of alcohol consumption among university students have been frequently reported over the past decades and this remains a considerable public health problem. To avert the severity of hazardous drinking among university students, it is significant to identify their knowledge, attitude, and consumption pattern of alcohol for better feasible intervention strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students aged 18-30 years using the convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was self-designed and validated by a panel of experts. Data were collected between August and September 2020 and analysed by SPSS version 20. A total of 374 participants completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of alcohol use was 81% and about third quarters of them had their first drinking before the legal age. The mean score for alcohol knowledge was 16.05 (SD = 4.31). More than half of them had good knowledge (54%) and a positive attitude towards alcohol use (54.3%). 77.6% of them showed irregular drinking behaviour and only a minority (22.7%) engaged in risky behaviours, among them, the most common were emotional outbursts, vomiting, and hangovers. A significant relationship was observed between alcohol use with family and peer influence effect, ethnicity, living condition and perceived parents’ socioeconomic status. There were lacunae in the government policies whereby the legislation and enforcement policy were insufficient to regulate or restrict the accessibility of alcoholic beverages for young people under the age of 21 and lacked strategies for enabling drinkers to track their alcohol intake. The relevant parties should focus on the necessary efforts to prevent underage drinking and improve alcohol use awareness.

RISK FACTORS FOR HAZARDOUS DRINKING AMONG DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Abstract Little is known about alcohol use disorder (AUD) among family caregivers of people living with dementia, even though it is suspected as a contributing cause for caregiving outcomes such as elder mistreatment. This study examines the frequency of and potential risk factors for hazardous drinking (one dimension of AUD, measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test AUDIT-C) among a sample of dementia family caregivers (Nf165). We used data from the first wave of an ongoing longitudinal study on daily dementia caregiving experiences. We computed binary logistic regression models using SPSS version 28 to identify potential risk factors. Among our sample, 20% of caregivers identified as positive for hazardous drinking. Caregivers with greater difficulty regulating their emotions (OR= 1.046, P=0.005, [95%CI] = 1.014–1.079) had significantly greater odds for hazardous drinking, as well as those with a history of physical neglect in childhood (OR=1.176, P=0.01, [95%CI] =1.037–1.334) and those who seek social support as a coping mechanism (OR=1.119, P=0.01, [95%CI] = 1.027–1.220). Additionally, the higher number of ADLs their relative needs assistance with the lower the odds (OR=0.775, p=0.01, [95%CI] =0.64–0.94) of hazardous drinking. Demographic factors such as gender and age were not associated with hazardous drinking, though the sample was predominantly female (90%). Findings show that dementia family caregivers experience hazardous drinking at a rate higher than the general population (6–16%) suggesting family caregivers are at a uniquely higher risk for AUD. Furthermore, the potential risk factors could inform future screening efforts to identify family caregivers experiencing hazardous drinking.

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.

Association Between Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Alcohol Response Phenotypes: A Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Study With [11C]CURB in Heavy-Drinking Youth

BackgroundReductions in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the catabolic enzyme for the endocannabinoid anandamide, may play a role in drinking behavior and risk for alcohol use disorder. We tested the hypotheses that lower brain FAAH levels in heavy-drinking youth are related to increased alcohol intake, hazardous drinking, and differential response to alcohol. MethodsFAAH levels in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and whole brain were determined using positron emission tomography imaging of [11C]CURB in heavy-drinking youth (N = 31; 19–25 years of age). C385A FAAH genotype (rs324420) was determined. Behavioral (n = 29) and cardiovascular (n = 22) responses to alcohol were measured during a controlled intravenous alcohol infusion. ResultsLower [11C]CURB binding was not significantly related to frequency of use but was positively associated with hazardous drinking and reduced sensitivity to the negative effects of alcohol. During alcohol infusion, lower [11C]CURB binding related to greater self-reported stimulation and urges and lower sedation (p < .05). Lower heart rate variability was related to both greater alcohol-induced stimulation and lower [11C]CURB binding (p < .05). Family history of alcohol use disorder (n = 14) did not relate to [11C]CURB binding. ConclusionsIn line with preclinical studies, lower FAAH in the brain was related to a dampened response to the negative, impairing effects of alcohol, increased drinking urges, and alcohol-induced arousal. Lower FAAH might alter positive or negative effects of alcohol and increase urges to drink, thereby contributing to the addiction process. Determining whether FAAH influences motivation to drink through increased positive/arousing effects of alcohol or greater tolerance should be investigated.

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Alters Behavioral Flexibility in Aged Rats Compared to Adult Rats and Modifies Protein and Protein Pathways Related to Alzheimer's Disease.

Repeated excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. Hazardous drinking among older adults further increases such vulnerabilities. To investigate whether alcohol induces cognitive deficits in older adults, we performed a chronic intermittent ethanol exposure paradigm (ethanol or water gavage every other day 10 times) in 8-week-old young adult and 70-week-old aged rats. While spatial memory retrieval ascertained by probe trials in the Morris water maze was not significantly different between ethanol-treated and water-treated rats in both age groups after the fifth and tenth gavages, behavioral flexibility was impaired in ethanol-treated rats compared to water-treated rats in the aged group but not in the young adult group. We then examined ethanol-treatment-associated hippocampal proteomic and phosphoproteomic differences distinct in the aged rats. We identified several ethanol-treatment-related proteins, including the upregulations of the Prkcd protein level, several of its phosphosites, and its kinase activity and downregulation in the Camk2a protein level. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed notable changes in pathways involved in neurotransmission regulation, synaptic plasticity, neuronal apoptosis, and insulin receptor signaling. In conclusion, our behavioral and proteomic results identified several candidate proteins and pathways potentially associated with alcohol-induced cognitive decline in aged adults.

Alcohol use problems and conflict among couples: A preliminary investigation of the moderating effects of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies.

Alcohol use can operate as a chronic relationship stressor with adverse influences on individual and relationship functioning, including negative conflict behaviors; however, it remains unclear what modifiable individual-level factors may moderate this association. The current study examined the effects of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies on the relation between alcohol use problems and negative relationship conflict behaviors. Participants were 30 couples (N=60) wherein at least one partner engaged in recent hazardous drinking or illicit drug use. Participants completed a measure of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., catastrophizing, self-blame, blaming others, rumination) and engaged in a 10-minute dyadic conflict task in the laboratory. Couple conflict behaviors were video-recorded and assessed using a validated coding system. Actor partner interdependence models indicated that (1) men with more maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies displayed more negative relationship conflict behaviors and (2) among women who use fewer maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, those who report alcohol use problems display more negative relationship behaviors than women who report fewer alcohol use problems. These findings suggest that the tendency to engage in fewer maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies buffers the effect of conflict among women without alcohol use problems. Results also suggest that women with alcohol use problems engaged in more negative conflict behaviors regardless of their tendency to use maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. This research has important implications for integrating emotion regulation skills into alcohol use treatment for women, particularly later in the course of treatment.

Gender-based Analysis of the Correlates of Hazardous and Binge Drinking among Canadian Active Duty Military Personnel

Alcohol misuse is prevalent among military personnel and has been associated with increased risk of psychosocial problems and physical health issues. Research suggests that military men and women exhibit distinct drinking patterns and differ in terms of alcohol-related problems. However, very little information exits on the gender-specific factors related to alcohol misuse. Information on the environment, such as rurality of serving areas, related to risky drinking among military populations is also scarce. This study examined demographic, military, psychosocial, geographical, and health indicators related to alcohol misuse among a representative sample of active-duty Canadian military members who reported drinking alcohol. Logistic regressions were used to assess the correlates of hazardous drinking and binge drinking among women and men separately. Among women, being younger, single, and experiencing mental health issues were related to risky drinking. Among men, being younger, in the Navy, self-reporting symptoms of psychological distress, and having difficulty coping with anger were related to hazardous drinking, whereas, binge drinking was related to younger age, being single, rurality of serving area, anger management, and poor overall health. Results provide support for gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies and highlight the importance of tailoring programs and policies to the needs of at-risk geographical areas.

Hazardous Drinking Mediates the Relation Between Externalizing Personality and Reduced Adherence to COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines in University Students.

Using a multigroup path analysis, we examined if hazardous alcohol use mediated the relations between elevated externalizing personality traits (i.e., impulsivity or sensation seeking) and reduced adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines. We hypothesized that those high in externalizing personality traits would demonstrate less adherence to public health guidelines and that hazardous alcohol use would mediate this relationship. First- and second-year undergraduates (N = 1232; ages 18-25) from five Canadian universities participated in a cross-sectional survey between January to April 2021. Individuals with higher levels of impulsive or sensation seeking personality traits demonstrated poorer adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines and these relations were mediated by hazardous alcohol use. Results suggest that hazardous drinking is an important target for students high in impulsivity and sensation seeking to increase their adherence to public health guidelines and thereby help control viral spread.

Alcohol consumption and its associated factors among adolescents in a rural community in central Thailand: a mixed-methods study

Early onset of alcohol use was associated with alcohol dependence and other health problems. We aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol consumption among adolescents in a rural community in Thailand. A mixed-methods study was carried out in 2021 using an explanatory sequential design. The study enrolled a total of 413 adolescents. On average, young adolescents initiated alcohol consumption at age 13. The lifetime drinking prevalence among adolescents was 60.5%, while the 1-year drinking prevalence was 53.0%. The prevalence of hazardous drinking among current drinkers was 42.0%. Alcohol consumption was associated with females (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR): 1.19; 95% CI 1.01–1.41), age ≥ 16 years (APR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.09–1.50), having close friends consuming alcohol (APR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.43–2.14), night out (APR: 1.93; 95% CI 1.53–2.45), being a current smoker (APR: 1.39; 95% CI 1.15–1.69), and having relationship (with boyfriend/girlfriend) problems (APR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.01–1.38). Qualitative data demonstrated that individual and environmental factors, including friends, family, social media use, and alcohol accessibility, affect alcohol use in this population. Therefore, effective strategies should be implemented across multiple levels of the socio-ecological model simultaneously to alleviate alcohol consumption and attenuate its complications.

Where to Look? Alcohol, Affect, and Gaze Behavior During a Virtual Social Interaction.

COVID-19 forced social interactions to move online. Yet researchers have little understanding of the mental health consequences of this shift. Given pandemic-related surges in emotional disorders and problematic drinking, it becomes imperative to understand the cognitive and affective processes involved in virtual interactions and the impact of alcohol in virtual social spaces. Participants (N=246) engaged in an online video call while their gaze behavior was tracked. Prior to the interaction, participants were randomly assigned to receive an alcoholic or control beverage. Participants' affect was repeatedly assessed. Results indicated that a proportionally larger amount of time spent gazing at oneself (vs. one's interaction partner) predicted significantly higher negative affect after the exchange. Further, alcohol independently increased self-directed attention, failing to demonstrate its typically potent social-affective enhancement in this virtual context. Results carry potential implications for understanding factors that increase risk for hazardous drinking and negative affect in our increasingly virtual world.