Prevalence Of Alcohol Problems Research Articles

Prevalence of alcohol problems in Russia in periods of socio-economic crises

The article investigates changes in the alcoholic behavior of the Russian population for more than 40 years. The study focuses on the relationship between socio-economic crises and the prevalence of alcohol problems. It is shown that in periods of social and economic crises two behavioral patterns can manifest themselves: increased alcohol consumption due to increased psychological distress and decreased consumption due to budgetary constraints. Analysis of statistical data and survey materials allows us to conclude that Russia is characterized by large and repeated fluctuations in the prevalence of alcohol consumption. On the basis of quantitative data we trace the dynamics of citizens’ well-being and alcohol consumption from 1994 to 2022. We consider such parameters as the level of life satisfaction, the level of anxiety about the impossibility to provide oneself with the most necessary things in the next 12 months, as well as self-assessment of the economic situation and the feeling of one’s own powerlessness. It has been revealed that it is not so much the difficult economic situation that contributes to the tense alcohol situation in Russia as the process of abrupt transformations: changes in the socio-economic situation, both for the better and for the worse, can increase the level of alcoholization.

Swedish Managers' and HR-Officers' Experiences and Perceptions of Participating in Alcohol Prevention Skills Training: A Qualitative Study.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore Swedish managers’ and HR-officers’ experiences and perceptions of skills training including a development and implementation of an alcohol policy.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with Swedish managers (n = 44) and HR-officers (n = 9) from nine different organizations whom had received skills training and an organizational policy implementation. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analyses.ResultsIn total, nine themes were identified as: The prevalence of alcohol problems: a wake-up call; a reminder to intervene immediately; an altered view of the responsibility of the employer; initiating conversations about alcohol: a useful toolbox; an imprecise, yet positive, memory; increased awareness of issues related to alcohol culture; I have not heard a word about a new alcohol policy; the alcohol policy: a mere piece of paper; and alcohol problem prevention: hardly a low-hanging fruit. Participants’ experiences of the skills training were positive overall.ConclusionVarious aspects of the skills training were appreciated by managers and HR-officers, including insight of prevalence statistics and employer responsibilities. Participants emphasized the value of repeated skills training occasions for retaining knowledge. Future research may investigate further in what way skills training may affect managers’ willingness to engage in workplace alcohol prevention. Since the implementation of any policy had gone unnoticed to participants, a reason for which could be related to the notion of the existing policy as “good enough” in its current condition, implementation and organizational issues, or a reluctance to address alcohol-related matters unless necessary; future research may focus on investigating in what manner alcohol policies are in fact utilized within organizations.

The Role of Alcohol Abuse in Working Disability in Patients With Low Back Pain

The prevalence of alcohol problems was investigated in 50 patients with chronic low back pain, and compared to an age, sex, civil status, and income matched control group. Alcohol abuse was significantly more frequent among the male low back patients. Within the patient group the use of analgesics and sedatives was not related to the degree of alcohol consumption. Alcohol problems were not found to influence the rehabilitation process negatively, probably because the rehabilitation programme was not directed to the back only. Such problems therefore should not discriminate against inclusion in a rehabilitation programme.

Alcohol, ageing and dementia: A Scottish perspective

There are complex relationships between alcohol use; processes of ageing both social and biological; and cognitive impairment. This paper takes Scotland as a case study to begin to unpick and explore these relationships and their implications for people who drink as they age. In recent years several policy documents have been published in Scotland that acknowledge the increasing prevalence of alcohol problems among people as they age. This paper is based on a review of the literature, analysis of recent Scottish policy documents and two research projects undertaken by the author. The links between alcohol use and dementia are discussed, focusing on biological and social implications for individuals as they age. Current responses in Scotland to these different issues are examined from individual, cultural and policy perspectives. Despite efforts in Scotland the needs of ageing and older individuals who experience alcohol-related morbidity are not sufficiently addressed.

Gender specific analysis of alcohol use

BackgroundSeveral studies all round the world have noted specificdifferences in the pattern of alcohol use among maleand female genders [1-3].AimTo examine specific gender differences in alcohol useamong university students in Minsk, Belarus.Materials and methodsOver 2000 students at random in four major universitiesin Minsk, Belarus were explained the study objectives.Approximately 75% of students in these universities arefemales. Only those who agreed to participate were con-sidered for the study. A total of 465 males (mean age -21 yrs) and 1030 females (mean age - 20.5 yrs) wereadministered anonymous AUDIT questionnaire andother alcohol related questions. Data analysis: statisticalcalculations were performed using SPSS (StatisticalPackage for the Social Sciences) 16.0 version for Win-dows; the criteria of Pearson (c2) and Student’st-test.The value for significance was as p < 0.05.ResultsAlcohol users were 85.7% males and 88.5% females. Pro-blem drinkers were 33.7% males and 10.1% females.Approximately the same percentages of both males andfemales use only beer as alcoholic drinks. Significantpercentage of males (16.8%) use spirits, wine and beerin their combination, compared to only 5.1% females.Bad mood as a deciding factor for alcohol use wasreported by a higher percentage of males (8.1%), com-pared to the females - 1.9%. Alcohol use for celebrationswas higher among the females than in the male popula-tion: a female to male ratio of 1.4.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the prevalence of alcohol pro-blems is significantly higher among the males, comparedto the females in the general Belarusian students’ popu-lation, although no significant differences in the percen-tages of alcohol users among both genders exist.Differences in the preference for different alcoholicdrinks and the causes for alcohol use were noted amongthe males and females.

Doctors' health and fitness to practise: treating addicted doctors

The literature describing the diagnostic process in the addicted doctor is scant. Figures from North America indicate that the prevalence of alcohol problems in doctors may be no higher than in the population as a whole, whereas high rates of prescription drug use have been recognized. This practice of self-treatment with controlled drugs is a 'unique concern' for doctors. The development of substance misuse problems in doctors cannot be reduced to a single factor: Anxiety and depression, personality problems, stress at work, family stress, bereavement, an injury or accident at work, pain and a non-specific drift into drinking have been implicated. Early diagnosis is critical because doctors are often reluctant to seek help and colleagues reluctant to intervene. Medical schools and continuing medical education programmes must give greater emphasis to addiction and substance misuse in doctors with a view to reducing the incidence of 'impaired physicians' and promoting and encouraging early treatment and rehabilitation. The relationship between the addiction psychiatrist and the occupational physician is key given that these problems occur at the interface between occupational health and regulatory systems. The need for individually tailored back to work programmes requires careful coordination and monitoring and may be difficult to implement without their involvement. Generally, the prognosis for doctors' recovery is good and it is possible to predict which doctors will 'make it'.

Telecounseling in Rural Areas for Alcohol Problems

ABSTRACT The prevalence of alcohol problems is roughly equal in urban and rural communities. In rural areas, however, treatment options for people with problem drinking tend to be limited at best. One way to reach rural populations is to deliver alcohol counseling services via telephone or interactive televideo links, called telecounseling in this paper. Tele-counseling can overcome not only the geographic barriers to treatment, but also concerns with confidentiality and stigma, which may be particularly salient in small rural communities. This approach to service delivery may be particularly important in areas with large rural and frontier regions. This paper reports on current use of common long-distance methodologies, their strengths and limitations.

Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Problems Among College Students Treated in a University Hospital Emergency Department

The authors evaluated a protocol to screen and provide brief interventions for alcohol problems to college students treated at a university hospital emergency department (ED). Of 2,372 drinkers they approached, 87% gave informed consent. Of those, 54% screened positive for alcohol problems (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score < 6). One half to two thirds of the students who screened positive drank 2 to 3 times a week, drank 7 or more drinks per typical drinking day, or had experienced alcohol dependence symptoms within the past year. Ninety-six percent of screen-positive students accepted counseling during their ED visit. Three quarters of those questioned at 3-month follow-up reported that counseling had been helpful and that they had decreased their alcohol consumption. The prevalence of alcohol problems, high rates of informed consent and acceptance of counseling, and improved outcomes suggest that the ED is an appropriate venue for engaging students at high risk for alcohol problems.

Identifying Alcohol Problems Among Methadone Maintenance Patients

Abstract Alcohol consumption and patterns of use were examined in a cohort of 108 patients in methadone maintenance treatment in South London. Measures of alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, liver dysfunction and blood alcohol levels were taken. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of alcohol problems among methadone maintenance patients and to consider resource implications in assessing and monitoring these problems. Although 42% had been abstinent from alcohol for the previous month, mean alcohol consumption among drinkers was 33.5 units of alcohol in the last week, with 25 patients (23%) drinking at levels that may be regarded as dangerous (more than 50 standard units of alcohol per week). Positive correlations were found between self-reported measures of alcohol use, severity of alcohol dependence and breathalyser scores. Associations between self-report alcohol measures and physiological indices of liver dysfunction were positive but weak. A minority of methadone maintenance patie...

The provision of services for alcohol problems: a community perspective for understanding access.

Alcohol use is related to numerous health and social problems. The article describes the prevalence of alcohol problems and dependence across a county and its institutions. While high rates of problem drinking were found across health, mental health, criminal justice, welfare, drug, and alcohol programs, the proportion was highest for primary health clinics, the criminal justice system, and welfare agencies. This also was the case when the county's most serious alcohol problem cases--individuals who were alcohol dependent--were examined. Thus it may be useful to develop screening procedures, mainstream treatment interventions in non-alcohol specialty agencies, and include non-specialty agencies in services research on access.

Screening and identification of older adults with alcohol problems in primary care.

Primary care physicians can anticipate encountering more elderly patients with alcohol problems since this population is increasing and the prevalence of alcohol problems has been stable. Brief screening tools, originally developed and validated among younger adults, may not be appropriate in the elderly. Therefore, specific validation studies and the development of elderly specific instruments have been reported. The specific goals of this report are to (1) review available screening tools for alcohol problems, (2) summarize elderly focused studies, and (3) provide recommendations for use in primary care. Using a variety of standards, the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye opener) is the most consistent brief screen, but its threshold may need to be adjusted in the elderly. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version includes elderly-specific consequences, but its length may hinder routine use even in shortened form. Finally, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, although less sensitive than the CAGE, can also capture problem drinkers. Efforts are needed to include elderly-specific consequences and meaningful consumption thresholds in a brief, easily applied screen.

Prevalence of alcohol problems among pediatric residents.

To measure the prevalence of alcohol-related problems among pediatric trainees. An alcoholism screening test was administered anonymously to participants at a mandatory substance abuse education and prevention program. A large urban pediatric residency training program. One hundred fifteen pediatric residents attended the program during 3 consecutive years (1996-1998). Eighty-five (74%) screening tests were returned and 81 (70%) were analyzed The 25-item Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Differential MAST cutpoints have been established to "suggest" or "indicate" a lifetime diagnosis of alcoholism. Twelve residents (15%) had scores suggestive and 6 (7%) indicative of alcoholism. Twenty-eight (35%) admitted to having alcohol-associated amnesia (blackouts), 13 (16%) to "feeling bad" about their drinking, 9 (11%) to drinking before noon, 6 (7%) to getting into fights when drunk, and 2 (2%) to alcohol-related marital problems. However, only 1 (1%) had gone to anyone for help and none admitted to alcohol-related problems at work. These screening data suggest that alcohol abuse and related problems exist among pediatric trainees at troubling rates. While more than one third of the trainees had experienced a serious consequence from heavy drinking, only 1 had gone for help and problems were not apparent at work. Greater emphasis should be placed on alcohol prevention and early intervention programs as a routine part of pediatric training.

Markers for patients with alcohol problems in an outpatient general medicine clinic

Our purpose was to determine the correlation among alcohol problems, certain health habits, and hypertension in a general internal medicine outpatient setting. Two‐hundred eighty‐seven patients who were undergoing complete examinations in a general internal medicine department of a large multispecialty clinic were asked to participate in a “lifestyle survey”; interview, which included questions regarding social history, gastrointestinal complaints, anxiety/depression, sexual dysfunction, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Charts were screened for documentation of alcohol problems and the presence of hypertension. Correlations between alcohol problems (defined as an AUDIT score ≥8) and the presence of hypertension were made using chi‐square tests for categorical variables and the t test for continuous variables. Of the 287 patients contacted, 12 refused, 3 were ineligible, and 29 had incomplete data precluding analysis, yielding a total of 233 patients (81%) who were included in the analysis. Sixty percent were female, 76% were white, and the mean age was 53 years. The overall prevalence of alcohol problems was 7.3% and less than one‐quarter of those patients had chart documentation of an alcohol problem. Thirty percent of those patients had a diagnosis of hypertension. No statistically significant correlation between a positive A UDIT and hypertension was found. Failure to use seat belts (P = 0.020), history of smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol use within 24 hr of the office visit (P < 0.001), and self‐reported family history of alcoholism (P = 0.012) were significantly more likely in patients with active alcohol problems. There was no difference in somatic complaints between patients with and patients without alcohol problems. We identified certain health behaviors which served as markers for patients with active alcohol problems in an outpatient setting. Physician diagnosis of alcohol problems (sensitivity of 24% in this study) may be improved with attention to such markers. Despite the known relationship of excess alcohol use and elevations in blood pressure, we found no statistically significant correlation between these variables in our study. Symptomatic concerns of the patient appear to be too nonspecific to distinguish patients with and without alcohol problems.

Prevalence of alcohol problems among emergency room patients in Thailand.

To determine prevalence rates of alcohol problems among emergency room patients. This was a cross-sectional survey including patient interviews and record reviews. The questionnaire included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to screen for hazardous or harmful alcohol use (alcohol problems). It also contained questions regarding the chief complaint and factors precipitating the admission. Emergency rooms of three regional hospitals in Thailand. Consecutive emergency room admissions aged 14 and older, admitted from 18.00-02.00 h. Risk factors for alcohol problems included male gender, age 20-49, higher monthly income, less than university graduate education status and admission to the northeast regional ER. Among non-trauma patients, those with alcohol-related diagnoses and certain gastrointestinal disorders had the highest rates of alcohol problems. Patients with transportation injuries were twice as likely, and those with assault-, fall-, or burn-related injuries were at least three times more likely to screen positive compared to the non-injured comparison group. The estimated overall prevalence rate of alcohol problems for this population, adjusted for age and diagnostic classification, was 0.39 for males and 0.08 for females. Especially among patients with specified diagnoses, the emergency room is an ideal setting for implementing alcohol screening and intervention programmes in Thailand.

Alcohol and secure hospital patients: I. An examination of the nature and prevalence of alcohol problems in secure hospital patients

The extent and severity of alcohol problems experienced by mentally disordered patients admitted to maximum security hospitals, whilst not included in the criteria for admission, is undoubtedly of relevance and importance in planning the treatment and future disposal of these patients. The study to be described attempts to address such concerns by means of applying an extensive assessment approach with a substantial patient population drawn from three of the four Secure Hospitals within the United Kingdom (n=211). Measures utilised included semi-structured interview, standardised questionnaires and clinical reports contained in case records. Detailed information is provided on weekly consumption levels, problems related to drinking, severity of dependence on alcohol, and use of alcohol at the time of offences. Results highlighted not only the high prevalence, but the extreme severity of alcohol difficulties evident amongst the patient sample, as well as substantial use of alcohol at the time of offences. Future papers will explore further the characteristics of patients with a history of problem drinking and the possible relationship between alcohol and offending. This study represents the first major, detailed and comprehensive assessment of alcohol problems in an extensive sample of secure hospital patients. The implications of these findings for the development of therapeutic services and the future disposal of these patients is emphasised.

The Prevalence of Alcohol Problems Amongst In-Patients Referred to the Liaison Psychiatrist

Alcohol related problems amongst patients referred to a liaison psychiatric service have been examined in terms of primary diagnosis but the prevalence has not been estimated using screening instruments. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of alcohol related problems using the CAGE and brief MAST screening questionnaires together with data on self reported weekly alcohol consumption and ICD10 diagnosis. On a sample of 100 consecutively referred patients with a response rale of over ninety percent we found 34.0% to be positive for “alcoholism” on the CAGE, 25.5% on the MAST and 13.8% to have a diagnosis of alcohol dependence syndrome. The mean self reported weekly alcohol consumption was 28.4 units per week. Excessive alcohol consumption and misuse were much more prevalent in male referrals. We conclude that it would be advantageous for liaison services to work closely with alcohol services.

Emergency Department Detection and Referral Rates for Patients with Problem Drinking

Alcohol-related problems cause 100,000 deaths annually, costing society more than $150 billion/year. This study was designed to establish provider detection and referral rates in a large inner-city Emergency Department, using three established measurement tools: the Ever a Problem (EAP), the four-question CAGE screen, and the QED Saliva Alcohol TEST (SAT). Two hundred ten patients met sample criteria; 172 (81%) were enrolled. Among those who were enrolled, 40% were positive on at least one measure: 13% on the SAT, 19% on the EAP, and 31% on the CAGE. The provider detection rate was high for SAT+ (intoxicated) patients (69.5%), but less so for those who were EAP+ and/or CAGE+ without an elevated SAT (32.6%). On retrospective record review, only 23.5% of those patients who were SAT+ and either CAGE+ or EAP+ could be shown to have been referred for treatment. We conclude that (1) the prevalence of alcohol problems is high in our ED setting (2) detection is possible with minimal disruption of the usual ED processing of care, and (3) significant opportunities for referral are currently being missed.

PREVALENCE OF ALCOHOL PROBLEMS AMONG ADULT SOMATIC IN-PATIENTS IN NAPLES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol problems among adult somatic in-patients in urban hospitals of Naples. The patients were screened with a structured questionnaire regarding life style. After discharge, the patient records were examined and the hospital discharge diagnoses were registered. A patient was considered having an alcohol problem if one or more of the following criteria were fulfilled: (1) a Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test score at or above five; (2) a self-reported daily consumption for at least 2 years of at least 60 g of ethanol for males and 36 g for females; (3) an alcohol-related discharge diagnosis. The prevalence of patients with alcohol problems was significantly (P < 0.01) higher among male (43.8%, 95% confidence limits, 37.6-50.2%) than among female patients (14.8%, 95% confidence limits, 9.6-21.4%). There were no significant differences among the different types of somatic departments regarding the prevalence of alcohol problems when gender was considered. Patients with alcohol problems differed significantly from those without alcohol problems regarding a number of variables: the former drank significantly more alcohol, smoked for more years, and had a higher prevalence of alcohol problems in the family. It is concluded that alcohol problems among in-patients are as prevalent in Naples as in other industrialized countries, that it is often not registered among discharge diagnoses, and that the problems are more prevalent in males than in females, irrespective of the type of department.

THE VALIDITY OF THE MICHIGAN ALCOHOLISM SCREENING TEST (MAST)

This review examines the validity of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) as a screening instrument for alcohol problems. Studies that compare the MAST-questionnaire with other defined diagnostic criteria of alcohol problems were retrieved through MEDLINE and a cross-bibliographic check. A total of 20 validity studies were included. The studies varied considerably regarding the prevalence of alcohol problems, the diagnostic criteria, and the examined patient categories. The MAST compared with other diagnostic criteria of alcohol problems gave validity measures with the following span: predictive positive value (PVpos) 0.24-0.96, predictive negative value (PVneg) 0.78- approximately 1, sensitivity 0.36- approximately 1, and specificity 0.36-0.96. It appears that the PVneg are high. Except from one study, the sensitivities (0.57- approximately 1) are also high. The PVpos and the specificities show substantial variations. The variables that seem to have the largest influence on the PVpos seem to be the prevalence of alcohol problems, the diagnostic method against which the MAST-questionnaire is validated, and the populations on which the MAST is applied. The MAST should in the future be validated against internationally accepted diagnostic methods on populations with representative prevalences of alcohol problems.

Prevalence of alcohol problems among selected AIDS risk groups: United States, 1988.

Estimates of the prevalence of various alcohol problems (DSM-III-R alcohol abuse/dependence, heavier drinking, and consuming 5 or more/9 or more drinks per occasion) were examined for a general population group of 29,155 persons age 18 years and older at self-reported risk for contracting AIDS by several definitions. All AIDS risk groups showed elevated risk for alcohol problems. Results are presented separately for males and females and for various demographic groups (age, marital status, family income, education, and race).