Lower Levels Of Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

Alcohol consumption and risk of incident atrial fibrillation: A population-based cohort study

AimsAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia. High alcohol consumption is associated with increased AF risk. It remains unclear whether lower levels of alcohol consumption are also associated with AF risk, and whether the association differs between men and women. In this study, we investigated the association between low to moderate levels of alcohol consumption and AF risk in men and women. MethodsWe performed a population-based cohort study of 109,230 health examination participants in northern Sweden. Data regarding alcohol intake were obtained using a questionnaire administered at the health examination. Incident AF cases were identified from the Swedish National Patient Registry. ResultsAF was diagnosed in 5,230 individuals during a total follow-up of 1,484,547 person-years. Among men, AF risk increased over quartiles of weekly alcohol consumption (P for trend 0.001). Men with alcohol consumption in the highest quartile (≥4.83 standard drinks [each drink containing 12 gs of ethanol] per week; SDW) had a HR of 1.21 (95% CI 1.09–1.34) for AF compared to men in the lowest quartile (<0.90 SDW). In men, problem drinking was also associated with an increased AF risk (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.10–1.39). Among women, AF risk was not significantly associated with alcohol consumption (P for trend 0.09 for decreasing risk of AF over quartiles of weekly alcohol consumption) or problem drinking (HR: 1.00; 95% CI 0.70–1.42). ConclusionSelf-reported alcohol consumption and problem drinking were associated with an increased risk of AF among men, but not in women.

Liking patterns moderate the relationship between sensory, emotional and context appropriateness profiles: Evidences from a Global Profile study on alcoholic cocktails

This study aimed to further the development and application of the Global profile approach, by (1) extending it to another product category, alcoholic cocktails; (2) investigating the relationship between sensory-emotions-context appropriateness in consumers differing for liking patterns; and (3) integrating the approach beyond product differentiation to consumer differentiation, thus improving and gaining a further insight into differences among consumers (consumer characterization). This was done taking into account consumer differences in oral responsiveness, personality traits, familiarity, explicit responses to products and implicit attitudes towards brand.Six alcoholic bitter-based cocktail samples were rated for liking, sensory properties, emotions and context appropriateness. Three clusters with different liking patterns for alcoholic cocktails were identified: ‘Fruit-bitter lovers’, ‘New-bitter lovers’ and ‘Classic-bitter lovers. Very small differences in sensory evaluation were found between the three clusters, while instead large differences were found for emotions and, to a lesser extent, for context appropriateness. Furthermore, the relationships among emotions, contexts and sensory properties were different in the three clusters.Clusters differed partly by gender, personality traits and alcohol consumption. A higher percentage of females was found in ‘Fruit-bitter lovers’; these consumers were also characterized by a higher Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) scores and a lower level of alcohol consumption. ‘New-bitter lovers’ liked cocktails with very different sensory characteristics who were associated with specific contexts of consumption. These consumers were less involved with cocktails than the other clusters. ‘Classic-bitter lovers’ cluster liked a broader variety of cocktails and also showed a more implicit positive attitude towards the bitter ingredient brand and a higher familiarity for cocktails in general. The information collected through this multidimensional approach will allow a better understanding of the differences in liking patterns among different groups of cocktail consumers and may be used to improve strategies for product innovation and consumer targeting.

Factors Associated with Engagement in Protective Behavioral Strategies among Adult Drinkers

Background: Protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) have been proposed as useful individual-level approaches to reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. However, recent research suggests that few of the recommended PBSs may be effective in reducing longer-term alcohol consumption, with some appearing to result in increased intake over time. Objectives: To identify factors associated with enactment of specific PBSs to inform alcohol control efforts that aim to encourage the use of effective strategies and attenuate the effects of strategies found to be associated with increased consumption. Methods: Australian adult drinkers (n = 2,003; 50% male) completed an online survey assessing their alcohol consumption, frequency of attending drinking venues, enactment of specific PBSs, and demographic characteristics. Results: Greater enactment of the PBS that has previously been found to be associated with reduced alcohol use (‘Count your drinks’) was found among older respondents and those with lower levels of alcohol consumption. Older respondents were also more likely to enact two of the three PBSs that have been found to be associated with increased alcohol consumption (‘Use a designated driver’ and ‘Leave drinking venues at a pre-determined time’). Conclusions/Importance: Results suggest that enactment of specific PBSs may differ according to the individual-level variables of gender, age, and preferred beverage type, and the environmental-level variable of attendance at licensed premises. Randomized trials investigating the effectiveness of PBS interventions among drinker subgroups are needed to determine the extent to which enactment reduces alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm and whether effects are moderated by the variables assessed in this study.

THE PRIORITY ORIENTATION OF THE PERSON OF A YOUNG DOCTOR IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND PROFESSIONAL TASKS

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to study the priority orientation of the personality of the young doctor in the professional sphere of life and the solution of professional problems. Materials and methods. The priority orientation of the individual to the professional sphere of life and the solution of professional tasks as a component of the professional socialization of young doctors was determined by us using the psychodiagnostic methodology “Motivation in professional activities” developed by B. Bass. This technique allows you to build a personal profile of the subject, based on three scales characterizing the level of orientation of the individual: the “case”, “self” and “communication”. The number of young doctors with a priority orientation of the individual to the professional sphere of life and the solution of professional tasks were attributed to the surveyed, in the personal profile of which the level of orientation “towards the case” was the highest and at the same time exceeded the level of the greatest of the two remaining directions of not less than 10% . The percentage of people with a priority orientation of the individual on the “case” was 35.0%, those with a priority focus on “themselves” 41.0%, on “communication” 24.0%. The object of the study was 600 young doctors of the Tver region at the age of 35 years with work experience in the specialty from 1 year. In total, the impact of 141 factors was analyzed by comparing the distribution of their gradations in the main and control groups. The significance of differences between distributions was estimated by calculating and verifying χ2. The presence of reliable χ2 (p &lt; 0.05) allowed us to consider the influence of the corresponding factor as statistically significant. To assess the strength of the influence of factors, the coefficient of mutual conjugacy of Chuprov (K) was used. Results. Formation of the orientation of the individual to the professional sphere of life and the solution of professional tasks on the gradations of representative factors of conditions and lifestyle contributes to: a high level of health and an active desire for a healthy lifestyle, a relatively low level of alcohol consumption, a relatively high level of remuneration; availability of official documents of moral incentives (letters of appreciation and thanks); the fact of work in the period of study in a medical university; relatively prosperous family relationships (level assessed as excellent, good); relatively high level of relationships with colleagues (rated as excellent, good). This priority orientation of an individual is also the result of a relatively high importance for them as factors motivating the following to work: flexible working hours; the amount of sufficient information about what is happening in the medical institution; difficult and difficult work. The priority orientation of the individual to the professional sphere of life and the solution of the professional tasks of young doctors in a medical organization is determined by the dominance of such terminal value as “physical and mental health”. Conclusion. It is concluded that factors of the conditions and lifestyle of young doctors are of greater importance for its formation.

Risk Factors Associated with Alcohol Use in Early Adolescence among American Inner-City Youth: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Early alcohol use is associated with an increased risk for later alcohol dependence, as well as social and mental health problems. In this study, we investigate the risk factors (internalizing and externalizing behaviors) associated with early alcohol consumption over a period of 1 year, and examine whether the association is sex-specific. Methods: U.S. inner-city adolescents (N = 1785, Mean age = 12.11) were assessed and reassessed in the sixth and seventh grades (Mean age = 13.10). Self-reported information was obtained on the lifetime level of alcohol consumption, internalizing (depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress [PTS]), and externalizing behaviors (sensation seeking, conduct problems and affiliation with delinquent peers). Associations between the variables were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: In an adjusted SEM analysis drinking by the sixth grade was primarily associated with externalizing behaviors, whereas PTS was linked to lower levels of alcohol consumption. In addition, alcohol consumption and greater externalizing behaviors by the sixth grade predicted higher alcohol consumption by the seventh grade, whereas anxiety and African American ethnicity were associated with less alcohol consumption. No sex differences were found in the association between internalizing and externalizing behaviors and drinking. However, in the adjusted SEM analysis female sex predicted higher lifetime consumption by the seventh grade. Conclusion: Sensation seeking behavior, conduct problems and affiliation with delinquent peers should be regarded as risk factors and taken into consideration when planning prevention efforts in order to decrease alcohol use in early adolescence.

Alcohol policies and alcohol-attributable cancer mortality in U.S. States

BackgroundAlthough more restrictive alcohol control policies (e.g., higher alcohol taxes) are related to lower levels of alcohol consumption, little is known about the relationship between alcohol policies and rates of alcohol-attributable cancer. MethodsState alcohol policy restrictiveness, as measured by a validated policy scale, were related to state rates of six alcohol attributable cancers in the U.S. from 2006 to 2010 in a lagged, cross-sectional linear regression that controlled for a variety of state-level factors. Cancer mortality rates were from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Alcohol-Related Disease Impact application, which uses population-attributable fraction methodology to calculate mortality from cancers of the esophagus, larynx, liver, oropharynx, prostate (male only) and breast (female only). ResultsMore restrictive state alcohol policies were associated with lower cancer mortality rates for the six cancer types overall (beta [β] −0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.59, −0.07), and among men (β −0.45; 95% CI -0.81, −0.10) and women (β −0.21; 95% CI -0.40, −0.02). A 10% increase in the restrictiveness of alcohol policies (based on the mean APS among states) was associated with an 8.5% decrease in rates of combined alcohol-attributable cancers. In all analyses stratified by cancer subtype and sex, the associations were in the hypothesized direction (i.e., more restrictive state policy environments were associated with lower rates of alcohol-attributable cancers), with the exception of laryngeal cancer among women. ConclusionStrengthening alcohol policies is a promising prevention strategy for alcohol-related cancer.

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences, a latent class analysis of The Norwegian WIRUS screening study

BackgroundFor alcohol, the association with socioeconomic status (SES) is different than for other public health challenges – the associations are complex, and heterogeneous between socioeconomic groups. Specifically, the relationship between alcohol consumption per se and adverse health consequences seems to vary across SES. This observation is called the ‘alcohol harm paradox’. This study aims to describe different patterns of alcohol use and potential problems. Next, the associations between sub-groups characterized by different patterns of alcohol use and potential problems, and age, gender, educational level, full-time employment, occupational level and income is analysed.MethodsEmploying data from the ongoing cross-sectional WIRUS-study, N = 4311 participants were included in the present study. Individual response patterns of the ten-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were analysed and latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify latent groups. Next, the associations between the classes identified in the best fitting LCA-model and sociodemographic factors were analysed and presented.ResultsWe identified three classes based on the response patterns on AUDIT. Class 1 was characterised by low-level alcohol consumption and very low probability of negative alcohol-related consequences related to their alcohol consumption. Class 2 was characterised by a higher level of consumption, but despite this, class 2 also had a relatively low probability of reporting negative alcohol-related consequences. Class 3, however, was characterised by high levels of alcohol consumption, and a high probability of reporting negative consequences of their consumption. The classes identified were systematically differentially associated with the included measures of SES, with class 3 characterised by younger age, more males and lower educational attainment.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the interconnectedness of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Furthermore, the identified classes and SES yields further insights into to intricate relationship between various socioeconomic factors, alcohol use patterns and related negative consequences.

Low Levels of Alcohol Consumption, Obesity, and Development of Fatty Liver With and Without Evidence of Advanced Fibrosis.

The effects of low-level alcohol consumption on fatty liver disease and the potential for effect modification by obesity is uncertain. We investigated associations among low-level alcohol consumption, obesity status, and the development of incident hepatic steatosis (HS), either with or without an increase in noninvasive liver fibrosis score category (from low to intermediate or high category). A total of 190,048 adults without HS and a low probability of fibrosis with alcohol consumption less than 30g/day (men) and less than 20g/day (women) were followed for up to 15.7years. Alcohol categories of no, light, and moderate consumption were defined as 0, 1-9.9, and 10-29.9g/day (10-19.9g/day for women), respectively. HS was diagnosed by ultrasonography, and the probability of fibrosis was estimated using the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). Parametric proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 43,466 participants developed HS, 2,983 of whom developed HS with an increase in FIB-4 index (to intermediate or high scores). Comparing light drinkers and moderate drinkers with nondrinkers, multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for incident HS were 0.93 (0.90-0.95) and 0.90 (0.87-0.92), respectively. In contrast, comparing light drinkers and moderate drinkers with nondrinkers, multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for developing HS plus intermediate/high FIB-4 were 1.15 (1.04-1.27) and 1.49 (1.33-1.66), respectively. The association between alcohol consumption categories and incident HS plus intermediate/high FIB-4 was observed in both nonobese and obese individuals, although the association was stronger in nonobese individuals (P for interaction by obesity=0.017). Light/moderate alcohol consumption has differential effects on the development of different stages of fatty liver disease, which is modified by the presence of obesity.

Alcohol use disorders and the heart.

Alcohol use is an important preventable and modifiable cause of non‐communicable disease, and has complex effects on the cardiovascular system that vary with dose. Observational and prospective studies have consistently shown a lower risk of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in people with low levels of alcohol consumption when compared to abstainers (the ‘J’‐shaped curve). Maximum potential benefit occurs at 0.5 to one standard drinks (7–14 g pure ethanol) per day for women (18% lower all‐cause mortality, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 13–22%) and one to two standard drinks (14–28 g ethanol) per day for men (17% lower all‐cause mortality, 95% CI = 15–19%). However, this evidence is contested, and overall the detrimental effects of alcohol far outweigh the beneficial effects, with the risk of premature mortality increasing steadily after an average consumption of 10 g ethanol/day. Blood pressure (BP) is increased by regular alcohol consumption in a dose‐dependent manner, with a relative risk for hypertension (systolic BP > 140 mm Hg or diastolic > 90 mm Hg) of 1.7 for 50 g ethanol/day and 2.5 at 100 g/day. Important reductions in BP readings can be expected after as little as 1 month of abstinence from alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption in a binge pattern is associated with the development of acute cardiac arrhythmia, even in people with normal heart function. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with chronic high‐volume alcohol intake, and above 14 g alcohol/day the relative risk increases 10% for every extra standard drink (14 g ethanol). Ethanol and its metabolites have toxic effects on cardiac myocytes, and alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) accounts for a third of all cases of non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Screening people drinking alcohol above low‐volume levels and delivering a brief intervention may prevent the development of cardiovascular complications. Although people with established cardiovascular disease show improved outcomes with a reduction to low‐volume alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink and patients with ACM should aim for abstinence in order to optimize medical treatment.

Prevalence and correlates of well-being in a cross-sectional survey of older people in Romania attending community day facilities

Background and objectivesCompared with other European countries, older people in Romania experience high rates of poverty and disability. In this, the first study to investigate wellbeing in older Romanian people attending public and third sector day facilities, we tested our hypotheses, based on a successful aging model, that greater wellbeing would be associated with a healthier lifestyle (lower levels of alcohol consumption and smoking), better physical health, mental health, social support (less loneliness) and absence of abuse. MethodsOlder people (65+) without significant cognitive impairment, recruited from three Bucharest social care centers, completed structured questionnaires. Our primary outcome was the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Results100/140 (71%) eligible potential participants approached participated; mean WHO-5 score was 67.7 (standard deviation=20.7); 25 (25%) scored <50, indicating low wellbeing. In our final model, lower depression (β=−0.40, t=−3.8, p<0.001) and loneliness scores (β=−0.22, t=−2.1, p=0.034) predicted higher wellbeing. More physical health problems and hospitalisations were associated with lower wellbeing on univariate analyses, but not in the final model. Screening positive for abuse (23 (23%) of participants), activities of daily living, alcohol and smoking status did not predict wellbeing. ConclusionsDespite experiencing high rates of loneliness, depression, anxiety and abuse, this population of older, Romanian people receiving social support, reported wellbeing levels comparable to European working populations. Loneliness was a more important predictor of lower wellbeing than any other factors studied. Tailored interventions to reduce loneliness in Romanian older people receiving community social support would be a rational next step.

Active immunization against serum alcohol dehydrogenase normalizes brain dopamine metabolism disturbed during chronic alcohol consumption.

Chronic ethanol consumption in high doses is associated with constitutively elevated activity of the serum alcohol dehydrogenase I (ADH I) isoform, which demonstrates a high affinity not only for ethanol but also for a number of bioamine metabolites. Such excessive ADH activity is probably associated with disruptions in the metabolism of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) and subsequent long-term changes in the activity of their receptors. Ultimately, a stable depressive-like condition contributes to the development of patients' craving for ethanol intake, frequent disruptions during therapy, and low efficacy of treatment. We applied active immunization against ADH to investigate its efficacy in the reduction of excessive serum ADH activity and regulation of ethanol consumption by chronically ethanol-fed Wistar rats (15% ethanol, 4 months, free-choice method), and we analyzed its ability to influence the levels of bioamines in the brain. Immunization (2 injections, 2-week intervals) was performed using a combination of recombinant horse ADH isozyme as an antigen and 2% aluminum hydroxide-based adjuvant. The efficacy of immunization was demonstrated by the production of high titers of ADH-specific antibodies, which was consistent with the significantly reduced ADH activity in the serum of chronically ethanol-fed rats. On the 26th day after the first vaccine injection, we registered significantly lower levels of alcohol consumption compared to ethanol-fed control animals, and the difference reached 16% on the 49th day of the experiment. These observations were accompanied by data that showed reduced levels of ethanol preference in immunized rats. Chronic alcohol drinking led to a decrease in dopamine and DOPAL (a direct dopamine metabolite and a high-affinity ADH substrate) levels in the striatum,while immunization neutralized this effect. Additionally, we observed that inhibition of serum ADH activity caused a decrease in peak dopamine levels during acute alcohol intake in chronically ethanol-fed rats during ethanol withdrawal that was associated with reduced tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the striatum. The obtained data suggest a significant contribution of ADH to the changes in neurotransmitter systems during chronic alcohol consumption and make available new prospects for developing innovative strategies for treatment of excessive alcohol intake.

Forest arson in Portugal: criminal behaviour and gender differences

Introduction/Background: Firesetting refers to the intentional act of use of fire with the purpose of damaging property. Starting a fire not only reveals an antisocial behavior but has also serious social economic implications for society. Although there are other possible causes for fires in general such as natural hazards, improper use of fire or accidental structural problems, intentional forest fires poses a serious problem and represents 13 to 20% of the causes of firesetting [1,2]. The incendiarism behavior can be defined by a set of risk factors that explain recidivism: the firesetter and setting of fire characteristics and the motivations associated to the committed crime. The aggressor gender is a distinguished variable in this characterization, since this behavior is seen more frequently in males (90%). The females associated with this type of crime have more specific traits, integrating an homogeneous criminal typology. The objective of this presentation is to show results of a comparative study based on a sample of Portuguese arsonists of both genders, in forest context, between 2015 and 2017. Methods: We studied 260 individuals, 25 were female (9.6%) and 235 were male (90.4%), between 14 and 86 years old. The variables were collected by the instrument “Summary Sheet - Risk Factors for Recidivism” (EPJ, 2015). The instrument is organized in three sections: 1) Offenders general characteristics (age, sex, education and profession), 2) Firesetting typology, 3) Criminal behaviour description and 4. Psychological and social firesetter characteristics. Collateral information was recollected through the consultation of the SPO (Judiciary Police Online Research System), for confirmation of sociodemographic data and criminal records. All work in this paper was conducted with the formal approval of the subjects and it follows the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: The results confirm that female show a more homogenous criminal typology than men. In general, women are represented in two main profiles: Profile A - Retaliatory Instrumental and Profile C- Clinical History, contrary to men that are represented in four criminal profiles (Profile A- Retaliatory Instrumental, Profile B- Benefic Instrumental, Profile C- Clinical History and Profile C1- Fire Attraction). Both genders share characteristics like: few social skills; difficulties in solving problems, in personal relationships as in integration in community; sustenance or unspecialized professions; type of burning area, time of occurrence and devices used. Concerning problems of psychological nature, men had more problems related to alcohol consumption than women, and women reported more mental health issues than men. Regarding motivation, female are essentially expressive, associating firesetting to anger and revenge drives, while male motivations are divided in two: expressive (78.44%) and instrumental (26.95%). Discussion and conclusions: The firesetters could be differentiated in terms of expressive or instrumental motivations [3]. Many of the incendiary behaviors presented by women are associated with situations of depression, family problems involving relationship problems and parental responsibilities conflicts. Women also may present no attraction by the fire and low levels of alcohol consumption when compared with men (2% in the moment of crime).

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Child Psychosocial Behavior: A Sibling Fixed-Effects Analysis.

Background: The association between low levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and children's health remains unclear because of the difficulty in ruling out residual genetic and environmental confounding factors. In this study, using a within-family sibling fixed effects design, we sought to examine the association between low prenatal alcohol exposures (PAE) and children's overall psychosocial behavior in a Japanese cohort.Methods: We used maternal and sibling data from the Japanese Study of Stratification, Health, Income and Neighborhood 2012-2013. Households were recruited from the Tokyo metropolitan area through clustered random sampling. Children under 18 years old who have siblings (n = 1,600) and their mothers were selected. PAE status was retrospectively measured, and classified by binominal and continuous measurements. Outcome measures of children's psychosocial behavior were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist T-score.Results: Low PAE was significantly associated with the offspring's anxiety problems (β = 1.54, 95%CI = 0.26, 2.82) and internalizing problems (β = 2.73, 95%CI = 0.87, 4.60), and marginally significant with the offspring's total problem scores (β = 2.34, 95%CI = −0.24, 4.92). There was no significant difference in PAE between boys and girls when it comes to behavioral problems.Conclusions: Low PAE was associated with children's anxiety, internalizing problems and overall problems, taking into account possible unobserved genetic and environmental confounding influences.

National Cancer Societies and their public statements on alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, liver, colon, rectal and breast cancer. It would therefore be expected that cancer prevention organizations would incorporate these facts into their public stance on the consumption of alcohol. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess how national cancer societies in developed English-speaking countries [i.e. English-speaking countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)] communicate alcohol-related cancer risk to the public and (2) compare whether these organization's advocacy of increased alcohol taxes is in line with their advocacy of tobacco tax increases to reduce cancer risk. We searched the websites of the following national cancer organizations for all statements related to the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk: Cancer Council Australia, Canadian Cancer Society, Irish Cancer Society, Cancer Society New Zealand, Cancer Research UK and the American Cancer Society. A categorical system was developed to code the qualitative data for health statements, alcohol consumption recommendations, and tax policy recommendations. Websites were analyzed in March of 2017. All organizations, with the exception of the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society, state that alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen and that even low-level alcohol consumption increases risk for some cancers. Additionally, while the American Cancer Society supports increasing tobacco taxes through its cancer action network, it has not advocated for increased alcohol taxes in relation to support for tobacco tax increases. Analysis in 2017 of the websites for national cancer societies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States-including Cancer Council Australia, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Irish Cancer Society, Cancer Society New Zealand, Cancer Research UK and the American Cancer Society-shows that only the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society websites fail to state that alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen and can cause cancer at low doses, and that there is no safe threshold for cancer risk.

Predicting risky health behaviors 35 years later: Are parents or teacher's reports of childhood behavior problems a better judge of outcomes?

ObjectivesThis study sought to understand (1) whether parents and teachers reports of childhood behavioral problems could predict smoking and alcohol consumption 35 years later, and (2) whether propensity for smoking and alcohol consumption differed on the basis of informant agreement in their classification of behavioral syndromes. MethodsParticipants included those from the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s study (ACONF) with full childhood information as well as self-reports in adulthood (n = 1342). Latent Class Analysis was conducted to identify patterns of childhood problem behaviors as rated by teachers and parents. Regression models were then conducted predicting adulthood smoking and alcohol consumption. Informant agreement categories were constructed and differences across categories in both smoking and alcohol consumption were tested. ResultsThree subtypes of childhood behavior problems were identified by both teachers and parents: “Normative,” “Externalizing,” and “Internalizing,”. Parents also identified a distinct fourth group “Mixed”. Teacher's classification of the child as externalizing significantly predicted greater likelihood of being a current smoker, and parents' classification as internalizing predicted lower likelihood of being an ex-smoker. Parents' ratings as externalizing and mixed also predicted lower levels of alcohol consumption, which was opposite to the predicted effect. Additionally, informant agreement of externalizing indicated a greater propensity of smoking in adulthood, but did not indicate differences in alcohol consumption. ConclusionsThis study suggests that it is important to consider additive information from multiple informants when examining the life-course effects of childhood behavioral problems on risky health behaviors in adulthood.

Differences in the Temporal Typology of Alcohol Hangover.

BackgroundAt a group level, hangover severity during the day has been described to follow an inverted U‐shaped curve, with gradually increasing severity scores that, after reaching a peak, gradually decrease toward zero. The aim of this study was to examine if and how individual drinkers' hangover severity scores vary during the day.MethodsData from a survey (Penning et al., 2012) in which 727 drinkers reported on their latest alcohol hangover were reanalyzed. The temporal pattern of each individual's hangover was first categorized as belonging to 1 of 6 types based on predefined temporal characteristics.ResultsThree dominant hangover patterns emerged as comprising more than 95% of the sample: (i) a continuous decline hangover (Severity Type 1 hangover, 54.5%), (ii) a steady state hangover (Severity Type 2 hangover, 19.1%), and (iii) an inverted U‐shaped curve hangover (Severity Type 3 hangover, 21.8%). Of these 3 patterns, Severity Type 2 hangovers are associated with significantly less alcohol consumption and with having the lowest severity scores of individual hangover symptoms. Severity Type 1 hangovers are associated with having the highest severity of individual hangover symptoms. In line with significantly lower levels of alcohol consumption, Severity Type 2 hangovers were significantly more often observed in women when compared to men. Severity Type 1 hangovers were significantly more common in men than in women. Severity Type 3 hangovers, characterized by the increased presence of gastrointestinal complaints, were equally commonly experienced in men and women.ConclusionsThis study revealed that the temporal pattern of hangover severity can follow marked interindividual variability. Three common temporal patterns were identified, which are uniquely related to the amount of alcohol consumed and the presence and severity of different individual hangover symptoms. Better understanding of individual differences in hangover typology may help to delineate mechanisms underlying alcohol hangover.

Addressing unhealthy alcohol use among people living with HIV: recent advances and research directions.

Unhealthy alcohol use is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). We sought to identify the most current literature examining the impact of unhealthy alcohol on health outcomes and latest developments on how to best intervene. New research shows that PLWH have heightened morbidity and mortality at lower levels of alcohol consumption compared with HIV-uninfected persons. Studies published since 2016 have further elucidated the effects of persistent unhealthy alcohol use on HIV treatment outcomes over time. Screening and brief interventions, as well as pharmacologic treatment, can reduce unhealthy alcohol use among PLWH. Unhealthy alcohol use is an important and modifiable risk factor for poor health and HIV treatment outcomes among PLWH. More research is needed to encourage and maintain engagement in alcohol-related interventions and improve implementation.

Meta-analysis of the association between alcohol consumption and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Alcohol is a possible risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but evidence from individual studies is weak and inconsistent. Existing narrative reviews suggest the possibility of non-linear associations. The aim here was to quantify any association using a systematic literature review, followed by dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched systematically to January 2017 for relevant prospective studies of alcohol consumption and AAA risk. Summary estimates of highest versus lowest levels of consumption, and linear and non-linear dose-response curves were quantified using random-effects models. Eleven relevant cohorts were identified describing results from 3580 individuals with among 473 092 participants. Data were extracted from ten cohorts for meta-analyses of high versus low levels of alcohol consumption (risk ratio for AAA 0·93, 95 per cent c.i. 0·78 to 1·11; P = 0·4, I2 = 47 per cent). The linear dose-response risk ratio for AAA, derived from 11 cohorts, was 1·00 (0·97 to 1·04) per 8 g alcohol per day (P = 0·9, I2 = 73 per cent). Non-linear dose-response results showed a tick-shaped curve with lower risk up to 2 units/day, but increasing risk beyond that (P = 0·05). The increase in risk beyond 2 units/day was stronger in men than in women. Although the linear dose-response analysis revealed little evidence of an association between alcohol consumption and AAA risk, a tick-shaped trend in the association was observed. This non-linear dose-response analysis revealed reduced risks for alcohol consumption below 2 units/day, masking increased risks for 2 or more units/day.

The association between levels of alcohol consumption and mental health problems and academic performance among young university students.

PurposeMental health problems and harmful alcohol consumption have been found to be high among young university students compared to the general population in Australia. This research aimed to investigate the association between levels of drinking and mental health problems and academic performance among university students aged 18 to 24 years.MethodsThis study used a quantitative cross-sectional design using data that were collected in 2014 as part of the Youth Alcohol Project (YAP). Participants were randomly drawn from a cross sectional sample of 6000 undergraduate students. Included in the study were only students who were within the age of 18–24, undergraduate, and internally enrolled at the main campus. A total of 2518 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 years who were enrolled internally at Curtin University Bentley campus were randomly recruited. Data were collected through an online survey. Students were invited to participate in the study through their student email address. The email invitations coincided with the release of semester results to increase the likelihood of students accessing their emails. A further 628 students were randomly recruited through face to face intercept survey during the campus market days. Data were collected by trained research assistants. Validated instruments were used to collected data on levels of alcohol consumption, mental health, and academic performance.ResultsA considerable proportion of participants (44%) reported consuming alcohol at hazardous or harmful levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that students who were consuming alcohol at hazardous levels were 1.2 times more likely to report psychological distress than those with lower levels of alcohol consumption (aOR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). In addition, being late for class (aOR 1.7, 95% CI:1.1–2.4), missing classes (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–2.6), inability to concentrate in class (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.4), and inability to complete assignments (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI 2.0–6.0) independently predicted for moderate or hazardous alcohol consumption.ConclusionThe study shows that a considerable proportion of undergraduate students at university consume alcohol at hazardous or harmful levels. In addition, high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with poor academic performance and mental health outcomes among students. The results of the study warrant multi-strategy interventions that focus on policy, organisational, educational, environmental and economic strategies that will help to reduce alcohol related harms among university students.

“Drunkorexia”: Understanding eating and physical activity behaviors of weight conscious drinkers in a sample of college students

ABSTRACTObjective: Behaviors of weight conscious drinkers (BWCD) include disordered eating, excessive physical activity (PA), and heavy episodic drinking. Considering that approximately 25% of the college students report BWCD, it is important to investigate what characteristics increase the likelihood of college students engaged in BWCD for both moderate and vigorous PAs. Participants: A total of 510 college students were recruited from a large, public southeastern university. Methods: Participants completed a cross-sectional survey during the spring 2015 semester. Results: Of 510 respondents, 11.2% reported moderate PA-based BWCD and 14.7% reported vigorous PA-based BWCD. Weight loss intention, BMI and Greek affiliation predicted both moderate and vigorous BWCD. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that Greek-affiliated students and students with weight loss intentions might be at an increased risk for BWCD. Along with promoting lower levels of alcohol consumption, college practitioners should consider discussing issues of weight and body image with college students as they relate to maladaptive drinking behavior.