Alcohol Consumption In People Research Articles

A rapid literature review of the effect of alcohol marketing on people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem.

To explore the effect or potential effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. Relevant literature was identified by searching Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and PsycINFO (OVID) and relevant websites. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the findings. The review included 10 studies. Two quantitative and three qualitative studies focused on participants recovering from an alcohol use disorder and five quantitative studies on those with hazardous or harmful consumption levels of alcohol. The effect of alcohol advertising on alcohol use was only assessed in one study, a small experimental study of young adult heavy drinkers, which found no significant association. Studies looking at other outcomes found that people with or at risk of alcohol problems were likely to notice alcohol advertisements and find them appealing, and that advertisements may have an effect on positive alcohol-related emotions and cognitions. Among people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, findings suggested that there could be an effect on craving, and that alcohol marketing may be perceived to trigger a desire to drink. Alcohol marketing is likely to have an effect on alcohol consumption in people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem. Studies have also found that alcohol marketing is perceived to act as a trigger by people in recovery from alcohol problems. A rapid review explored the effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. The findings of the 10 included studies suggest that an effect of alcohol marketing in these populations is likely.

MASLD/MetALD and mortality in individuals with any cardio-metabolic risk factor: A population-based study with 26.7 years of follow-up.

A new term, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has been proposed by a multi-society expert panel. However, it remains unclear whether hepatic steatosis per se in MASLD contributes to an increased risk of mortality in individuals with any cardio-metabolic risk factor (CMRF), which is also a significant risk factor for increased mortality. This study aimed to compare all-cause and cause-specific mortality between the "MASLD/MetALD" and "no steatotic liver disease (SLD)" groups in individuals with any CMRF. A population-based cohort study was conducted using 10,750 participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All-cause and cause-specific (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and liver) mortality risks were compared between the "MASLD," "MetALD," and "no SLD" groups using the Cox proportional hazards model with complex survey design weights, adjusted for confounders. Over 26 years, the "MASLD" group did not show significantly increased all-cause (adjusted HR 1.04[95% CI: 0.95-1.14], p = 0.413), cardiovascular (0.88 [0.75-1.04], p = 0.139), or cancer (1.06[0.84-1.33], p = 0.635) mortality risk compared to the "no SLD" group in individuals with any CMRF. The MetALD group was associated with increased all-cause (1.41 [1.05-1.89], p = 0.022), cancer (2.35 [1.33-4.16], p = 0.004), and liver (15.04 [2.96-76.35], p = 0.002) mortality risk compared with the no SLD group. This trend was more pronounced in the MetALD group with advanced fibrosis assessed by Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4). In individuals with CMRF, the presence of steatotic liver disease (MASLD) alone did not increase the risk of mortality, except in cases with more alcohol consumption (MetALD). Therefore controlling metabolic risk factors and reducing alcohol consumption in people with MASLD or MetALD will be crucial steps to improve long-term health outcomes.

Use of transdermal alcohol sensors in conjunction with contingency management to reduce alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence attending alcohol treatment services: pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial (Preprint)

Use of transdermal alcohol sensors in conjunction with contingency management to reduce alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence attending alcohol treatment services: pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial (Preprint)

Comparison of transdermal alcohol concentration and self-reported alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence attending community alcohol treatment services

AimWe aimed to assess the accuracy and wearability of a transdermal alcohol sensor (TAS) (BACtrack Skyn) with people currently receiving treatment at alcohol services. MethodA mixed methods observational study involving three NHS alcohol services in south London was conducted. All participants (7=male, 9=female) wore a TAS for 1 week and met with the researcher every other weekday to complete the TAS data download and a TimeLine Follow Back (TLFB). At the end of the week, a post-wear survey was completed. Transdermal Alcohol Concentration (TAC) from the TAS was compared to the TLFB. Post-wear survey responses, attendance voucher incentives and descriptive TAS data (removals, missing and skin temperature data) were analysed. We investigated different drinking event thresholds changing the criteria of TAC level and length of time TAC was increased and analysed each drinking threshold sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicative values, and percentage accuracy classification. ResultsThe TAS recorded the number of alcohol-drinking days with a high degree of accuracy compared to the TLFB as gold-standard. However, of the participation time of the 16 participants, 14.5% of the TAS data was missing in output and 16.4% of the recorded data suggests the TAS was not currently being worn. Of the data recorded, in line with the drinking event threshold of >15 ug/l TAC, >15minutes, we found that sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 84% and a Pearson correlation of r(16) =.926, p = <.001, BCa 95% CI [.855 −.981]. The threshold with the highest accuracy was TAC>15 ug/l, >60minutes which classified alcohol events with 90% accuracy, AUC =.910, sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 96%. The post-wear survey reported that most participants found it comfortable and that wearing it did not interfere with daily activities. Six participants reported side effects, including itching and a rash, but these would not deter them from wearing it again with all six reporting they would wear the TAS again and for longer than one week. ConclusionsThe TAS did not capture every drinking event that was self-reported but maintained a high correlation. There were instances of missing TAS data and TAS removals. Overall, our findings would support the acceptability and feasibility of TAS as a tool that could be used in clinical settings for objective alcohol monitoring with patients being responsible for the TAS.

The Impact of Alcohol Consumption Duration and Types on Colorectal Cancer: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Medan, Indonesia

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world, in Indonesia it is in the fourth highest position. Nearly 1 million deaths a year were due to colorectal cancer. Alcohol increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This study aims to analyze differences in duration of alcohol consumption in people with and without colorectal cancer and to analyze the relationship between type of alcohol and the incidence of colorectal cancer. The research was carried out at the Digestive Surgery Polyclinic, H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. Using primary and secondary data involving 31 subjects. Subjects aged 30-80 years, 21 men, 10 women, 80.6% suffered from colorectal cancer. 28 people (90.3%) consumed type A alcohol the most. The mean duration of alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer sufferers and those without colorectal cancer was 14.76 ± 3.33 years and 11.00 ± 3.688 years. There is a difference in the duration of alcohol consumption in people with and without colorectal cancer, and the type of alcohol consumed is not related to the incidence of colorectal cancer.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) contributes significantly to global mortality. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP-1/GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) agonists, FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, where the former has shown to effectively reduce the consumption of alcohol in animal models but no reports exist on the latter. In this report, we conducted two studies. In the first study, we conducted an analysis of abundant social media texts. Specifically, a machine-learning based attribution mapping of ~ 68,250 posts related to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists on the Reddit platform. Secondly, we recruited participants (n = 153; current alcohol drinkers; BMI ≥ 30) who self-reported either taking Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist), Tirzepatide (the GLP-1/GIP combination) for ≥ 30 days or, as a control group; no medication to manage diabetes or weight loss for a within and between subject remote study. In the social media study, we report 8 major themes including effects of medications (30%); diabetes (21%); and Weight loss and obesity (19%). Among the alcohol-related posts (n = 1580), 71% were identified as craving reduction, decreased desire to drink, and other negative effects. In the remote study, we observe a significantly lower self-reported intake of alcohol, drinks per drinking episode, binge drinking odds, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, and stimulating, and sedative effects in the Semaglutide or Tirzepatide group when compared to prior to starting medication timepoint (within-subjects) and the control group (between-subjects). In summary, we provide initial real-world evidence of reduced alcohol consumption in people with obesity taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medications, suggesting potential efficacy for treatment in AUD comorbid with obesity.

Using stories to explore the lived experience of alcohol consumption in people with diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: Evidence supports the risks of dangerous episodes of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, or extreme glucose variability in type 1 diabetes during and after alcohol consumption. Minimal evidence regarding preventative self‐care strategies exists, and people with type 1 diabetes can develop personal tactics to overcome risks. Combining the lived experience of managing alcohol consumption while living with diabetes will enrich new patient and health care professional education.Methods: Participants were recruited from social media, and attended between one and three online storytelling workshops. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire, and qualitative data were collected by note‐taking during the online sessions and evaluated by thematic analysis.Results: Nine participants aged 18–36 years (type 1 diabetes = seven [three female], and type 2 diabetes = two [both male]) were recruited. Insulin administration was by multiple daily injection therapy (n=5 including one type 2 diabetes), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (n=3) without hybrid closed loop, and sulphonylurea plus morning long‐acting analogue insulin (n=1 type 2 diabetes). From the nine participant stories three diabetic ketoacidosis, three hypoglycaemia, and one extreme glucose variability episodes occurred. Four clustered themes were found: living with diabetes, managing alcohol, app development suggestions, and future development suggestions.Discussion: New insights discovered were: distressing glucose risks including diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, misinterpretation of glucose and intoxication symptoms, trial and error approaches, and non‐disclosure to health care professionals regarding severe glucose situations. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley &amp; Sons.

Modified sharp regression discontinuity model to settings with fuzzy variables

ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to develop a Modified Sharp Regression Discontinuity model to predict alcohol consumption in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Previous studies focused on either fuzzy dependent or fuzzy independent variables separately. However, there is a gap in research that examines the interaction between both types of fuzzy variables thus the model considers both dependent and independent fuzzy variables.MethodsA statistical model was developed to predict the relationship between alcohol consumption and HIV progression. The model equations are solved numerically using parametric estimation.ResultsIn simulation studies, as the sample size expanded, the estimates derived from the modified sharp regression discontinuity model exhibited probabilistic convergence towards the true value, thereby validating the estimator of the Average Causal Effect’s consistency. Counseling has an average causal effect in the sharp Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) for compliers that is roughly equal to 0.199. This was the variation in Alcohol Use Detective Identification Test (AUDIT) threshold scores or the change in intercept scores when counseling was effective. Following six months of participation in the counseling program, AUDIT scores decreased, leading to an increase in Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) counts and a decrease in viral loads.ConclusionThe Modified Sharp RDD offers a robust approach to handle fuzzy variables in causal inference. Our study contributes to the advancement of RDD methodology and its applicability in real-world settings with uncertain data.

Sometimes, I Also Drink Water… - Alcohol Consumption of People With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Risky alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study is to assess alcohol consumption in people with MCI. Socio-demographics, 12-month prevalence, 30-d prevalence, prevalence of risky consumption (>10 g/20 g/d pure alcohol for women/men) and binge drinking (≥50 g pure alcohol on one occasion) were recorded in 270 people (≥60 years) with MCI from the German RCT "Brainfit-Nutrition" in 2022. Approximately half of the people with MCI (50.8%) drink at least once a week. About one fifth (17.0%) of participants met the criterion for binge drinking; every third woman (34.8%) and every fifth man (18.6%) crossed the line to risky consumption in the last 30 d. Generally, people with MCI show similar consumption prevalence as the 65+German general population. However, the prevalence of risky consumption in women with MCI is significantly higher.

Commentary on Luukkonen et al.: Policy possibilities for reducing public health harms related to pregnant people's alcohol consumption.

Commentary on Luukkonen et al.: Policy possibilities for reducing public health harms related to pregnant people's alcohol consumption.

Baclofen for alcohol use disorder.

Baclofen for alcohol use disorder.

Ethyl glucuronide in hair: A 5-years retrospective cohort study among drivers under the influence of psychoactive substances and alcohol

The main aim of the study was to investigate ethyl glucuronide (EtG) hair levels and alcohol consumption behaviour of a large cohort of driving under the influence (DUI) subjects between 2015–2019. Since alcohol is the most widespread psychoactive substance in the world, evaluation of alcohol drinking behaviours can help in preventing alcohol misuse or, at least, limit high-risk situation, such as driving under the influence of ethanol. Ethyl glucuronide in hair is a sensitive and specific biomarker for estimating previous continuative alcohol consumption within a relatively long period, depending on hair length. EtG in hair tests, measured in the period 2015–2019, to all the 18 years old subjects that were resident in the Province of Pavia, were collected and evaluated. The province of Pavia has been divided into three districts, namely the main city together with hinterland (district I), the agricultural flat area (district II) and the rural hilly area (district III). EtG level was defined as ordinal variable, thus dividing data into three groups depending on the drinking behaviour (teetotallers or occasional drinkers, moderate continuative users, and chronic excessive alcohol users). Effects of age, gender and district on alcohol consumption behaviour are investigated with an ordinal logit model. A state sequence analysis was used to study people's alcohol consumption behaviour over time. In total, 22.2% of the drivers provided EtG in hair values. Among positive cases, a prevalence of males (96.3%), aged 35–44 (32.6%), coming from district I (38.2%) was observed. All age classes have a reduced drinking risk if compared to the ≥ 55 years old class: subjects aged 18–24 have 70% (OR≈0.29, P < 0.001) lower risk, 63% (OR≈0.37, P < 0.001) lower risk for the 25–34, half (OR≈0.51, P < 0.001) for the 35–44 and 36% (OR≈0.64, P < 0.001) for the 45–54. A general decreasing trend in EtG values over time was observed for the subjects who have undergone at least 4 repeated EtG measurements ( n = 460). Our study indicates that, compared to 2015, in the last few years the portion of heavy drinkers, among subjects tested for hEtG due to DUI issues, has decreased. When drinking habits were related to age, we observed that overall high-risk increased with increasing age. The characteristics of the territory are also associated with different drinking patterns: in the district mainly devoted to the cultivation of vineyards (district III) there is a 31% higher risk of being a drinker compared to people living in district I. The data obtained from this retrospective observational study suggested that the inclusion of EtG in hair test in the protocol for driving license renewal (DLR) could have contributed to raise awareness among people about the new diagnostic tools available for monitoring alcohol chronic behaviors, thus partially limiting ethanol consumption habits associated with high-risk issues. EtG in hair test in the drive license reissuing protocol appeared to contribute in decreasing alcohol misuse behaviors. Moreover, this study highlighted some potential risk factors related to alcohol drinking habits among drivers such as being male sex, age ≥ 55 years, and coming from rural areas.

Practitioner and digitally delivered interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption in people not seeking alcohol treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

To compare the effectiveness of practitioner versus digitally delivered interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. Systematic review and network meta-analysis comprising comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials, robust screening and selection methods and appraisal with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Network meta-analyses were conducted in Stata using random effects, frequentist models. The confidence in network meta-analysis (CINeMA) tool was used to assess confidence in effect sizes. Online or community or health settings where the intervention was immediately accessible without referral. Non treatment-seeking hazardous or harmful drinkers. Primary outcome was mean difference in alcohol consumption (g/wk); secondary outcome was number of single high intensity drinking episodes. Baseline consumption was analysed as a covariate. Of 201 included trials (94 753 participants), 152 reported a consumption outcome that could be converted to grams/week; 104 reported number of single high intensity drinking episodes. At 1 and 6months, practitioner delivered interventions reduced consumption more than digitally delivered interventions (1month: -23 g/wk (95% CI, -43 to -2); 6months: -14 g/wk [95% CI, -25 to -3]). At 12 months there was no evidence of difference between practitioner and digitally delivered interventions (-6g/wk [95% CI, -24 to 12]). There was no evidence of a difference in single high intensity drinking episodes between practitioner and digitally delivered interventions at any time point. Effect sizes were small, but could impact across a population with relatively high prevalence of hazardous and harmful drinking. Heterogeneity was a concern. Some inconsistency was indicated at 1 and 6months, but little evidence was apparent at 12 months. Practitioner delivered interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption are more effective than digitally delivered interventions up to 6months; at 12 months there is no evidence of a difference.

Ethyl glucuronide in hair: A 5-year retrospective cohort study in subjects sanctioned for driving under the influence of alcohol and psychoactive substances.

The evaluation of drinking behaviors can help in limiting high‐risk situation, such as driving under the influence (DUI). We investigate ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG) levels to evaluate alcohol consumption behavior in subjects followed up after having been charged for DUI of psychoactive substances and/or alcohol. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study on 4328 subjects over 18 years old who underwent hEtG analysis in the period 2015–2019 in the Italian Province of Pavia. hEtG level was used as a proxy for the alcohol consumption behavior. Effects of age, sex, and district on alcohol drinking behavior were investigated with an ordinal logit model. A state sequence analysis was used to study people's alcohol consumption behavior over time. hEtG was found ≥7.0 pg/mg in 22.2% of the drivers (of which 7% has an hEtG ≥30.0 pg/mg). Among positive cases, a prevalence of males (96.3%) aged 35–44 (32.6%), coming from main city and hinterland (38.2%), was observed. The propensity to drink was higher for males (odds ratio [OR] ≈ 2.28, p < 0.001) and for subject coming from the district devoted to the cultivation of vineyards. Young age classes have a reduced drinking risk if compared to the drivers over 55 years old (p < 0.001). A general decreasing trend over time in hEtG values was observed. Being male, age ≥ 55 years, and coming from rural areas are potential risk factors related to alcohol drinking habits among drivers. Ethyl glucuronide in hair test in the driving license reissuing protocol contributed to decrease alcohol misuse behaviors.

An analysis of how lobbying by the alcohol industry has eroded the French marketing regulation law

Abstract Background In response to the positive association between alcohol marketing and young people's alcohol consumption, several countries have adopted marketing regulation laws. This is the case in France with the 1991 Evin Law, which prohibits advertising in media targeting young people and regulates content in authorized media. However, this law has faced intense opposition from its inception. The aim of this research is to identify the arguments and lobbying strategies deployed by the alcohol industry to undermine it. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 French key informants involved in implementing and/or updating the Evin Law, including initiators of the law, former ministers, non-governmental organizations, national public health institutes and academic associations and institutions. A thematic analysis was conducted to highlight strategies and arguments employed by the alcohol industry to undermine the Evin Law using Savell et al. framework (2016). Results Several of the identified strategies and arguments to combat marketing regulations were similar to those identified in other countries, while some strategies and arguments were specific to the French context. These include highlighting winegrowing and its integration into decision-making bodies, and forming alliances with parliamentarians. These specific features may in part be explained by the economic significance of alcohol and wine at the heart of French culture. Conclusions For the first time, the long-term lobbying strategies and arguments used by the alcohol industry to weaken the Evin Law are analyzed from the perspectives of those closely involved in its implementation. This study may be useful for other countries that have - or are in the process of - implementing alcohol marketing regulation laws. Key messages The pioneering French alcohol marketing regulation law has faced intense opposition from the alcohol industry, in particular viticulture. Analyzing the strategies and arguments used by the alcohol industry to erode this pioneering law is important to better counter them.

Alcohol use among young Australian adults in May-June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study.

AimsTo estimate change in young people's alcohol consumption during COVID‐19 restrictions in Australia in early‐mid 2020, and test whether those changes were consistent by gender and level of consumption prior to the pandemic.DesignProspective longitudinal cohort.SettingSecondary schools in New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia.ParticipantsSubsample of a cohort (n = 443) recruited in the first year of secondary school in 2010–11. Analysis data included three waves collected in September 2017–July 2018, September 2018–May 2019 and August 2019–January 2020), and in May–June 2020.MeasurementsThe primary predictors were time, gender and level of consumption prior to the pandemic. Outcome variables, analysed by mixed‐effects models, included frequency and typical quantity of alcohol consumption, binge drinking, peak consumption, alcohol‐related harm and drinking contexts.FindingsOverall consumption (frequency × quantity) during the restrictions declined by 17% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73, 0.95] compared to February 2020, and there was a 35% decline in the rate of alcohol‐related harms in the same period (IRR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.54, 0.79). Changes in alcohol consumption were largely consistent by gender.ConclusionsFrom a survey of secondary school students in Australia, there is evidence for a reduction in overall consumption and related harms during the COVID‐19 restrictions.

Neuroendocrine factors - predictors of the formation of alcohol dependence and human ecology in various ethnic populations, new approaches to therapy

IntroductionIntegrated clinical and biological approaches in the study of disorders caused by alcohol consumption in people of different ethnic groups, are important for determining effective treatment strategies.ObjectivesTo study the clinical and dynamic features and the role of neuroendocrine factors of the formation and course of alcohol dependence in individuals of Tuvan ethnicity.Methods68 Russian alcoholics and 67 Tuvans alcoholics only men and 20 healthy male were monitored. Clinical assessment of the condition of patients was carried out with the traditional clinical description. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine serum hormone levels in patients and volunteers.ResultsThe systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages develops among Tuvans in adulthood, in contrast to Russian men who begin to drink systematically young. Alcohol dependence in people of Tuvan nationality are formed several years later than in Russians: a symptom of loss of quantitative control over use was detected in Tuvans at 36.9±9.9 years, in Russian patients at 29,8±7.5 years; the formation of withdrawal syndrome in Tuvans occurs at the age of 37.7±8.4 years, unlike Russians, in whom the withdrawal syndrome develops on average at the age of 29.6±6.0 years. The index of the ratio cortisol/progesterone in the blood of examined Russian alcoholics is almost twice as high as the index of examined healthy donors; in patients of Tuvan ethnicity, index is almost five times higher.ConclusionsAlcohol dependence among representatives of the Tuvan ethnic group indicates a greater vulnerability to the effects of alcohol.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Smoking Cigarettes and Consuming Alcohol in Patients with Psoriasis.

Introduction:Psoriasis is a chronic disease. Research shows the emergence of harmful habits such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in people with psoriasis.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in patients with psoriasis, sexual distribution, and the relationship of habits with the severity of the disease.Methods:The prospective study included 129 subjects with psoriasis, of which 67 or 51,94% were women and 62 or 48,06% were men.Results:The frequency of cigarette smoking was 41,09%, alcohol consumption 24,80%. The gender distribution of cigarette smoking was: 35,82% of women and 46,77% of men smoked cigarettes. The gender distribution of alcohol consumption is: women 5,97% and men 45,16%. The severity of psoriasis, that is PASI score and cigarette smoking were statistically significantly related (r=0,63), and PASI score and alcohol consumption were not statistically significantly related (r=0,32).Conclusion:Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are present in psoriasis sufferers, cigarette smoking is associated with disease severity, and alcohol consumption is not. It takes knowledge of the habits of people with psoriasis and a multidisciplinary approach to get rid of harmful habits.

Comprehensive Assessment of Alcohol Consumption in People Living with HIV (PLWH): The New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV Study.

High frequency of alcohol use among people living with HIV (PLWH) warrants careful assessment and screening to better understand its impact on HIV disease progression and development of comorbidities. Due to the limitations of the tools used to measure alcohol use, the links to health consequences are not fully understood. We completed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the prevalence of alcohol consumption using multiple alcohol assessment tools and their correlation and consistency in a cohort of PLWH (N=365) enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) Study. Alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), timeline followback (TLFB) Calendar, lifetime drinking history, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Severity Index, and blood levels of phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Spearman's correlations were estimated for continuous measures of alcohol consumption; Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare means; and logistic regression was used to estimate odds of alcohol use by demographic characteristics. Self-report of current alcohol use varied from 58.9 to 73.7% depending on the assessment. All the self-reported alcohol measures showed statistically significant correlations with the biological marker PEth. The highest correlation was with TLFB grams (r=0.67, p<0.001). Using TLFB, 73.7% of the cohort reported using alcohol in the last 30days, and 61.6% had a positive PEth value. The prevalence of risky drinkers, meeting the TLFB>3 (women) or >4 (men) drinks/day or>7 (women) or>14 (men) drinks/week, was 49.0%. Medium-risk drinking defined as an AUDIT score≥8 was reported in 40.3%, and high-risk drinkers/probable AUD (AUDIT score≥16) was met by 17.0% of the cohort. Our results demonstrate the importance of comprehensive assessments for alcohol use, including self-report via multiple assessment tools administered by trained staff, as well as the addition of biomarkers for improved classification of subjects into different drinking categories.

Nexus between drinking patterns, gender and life satisfaction: Some evidence from Indigenous Australians

AbstractExcessive alcohol consumption results in a broad range of health problems and other social issues, such as violence, social disorder and family breakdown. As such, alcohol consumption is considered as a critical social policy issue in Australia. In this study, we have used ordered logit models to estimate the probability of an Indigenous person consuming alcohol and to assess the impact of alcohol consumption on self‐perceived life satisfaction. A heteroscedasticity‐corrected ordered logit model is used to identify the gender difference in such effects. For this purpose, we use the latest National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS) 2014/2015 data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The estimation results reveal that age, gender, employment status, income and the experience of unfair treatments significantly affect Indigenous people's (level of) alcohol consumption. The results also reveal that any level of alcohol consumption is linked with reduced overall life satisfaction, which is another reason why prevention of alcohol misuse should be a priority. A significant gender differences in the medium‐risk‐level alcohol consumption were also observed. These findings could be used as an alcohol prevention message in developing and implementing alcohol prevention strategies and policies.