Alcohol Consumption Problems Research Articles

Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the primary cause of mortality worldwide. 32% of all fatalities globally in 2019 were attributed to CVDs, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths. Heart attacks and strokes were the significant cause of 85% of these fatalities. More than 75% of fatalities from CVD occur in low- and middle-income nations. In 2019, non-communicable illnesses accounted for 17 million premature fatalities (deaths under 70 years of age) of which 38% were attributable to CVDs. An increased risk of acquiring high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes can also be attributed to a family history of these disorders. These conditions can also raise an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease. By addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, bad food and obesity, physical inactivity, and problematic alcohol consumption, most cardiovascular illnesses may be averted. Early detection of cardiovascular illness is crucial for the commencement of medication and counseling-based therapy.

Understanding Nurse Perceptions of Caring for Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), the problematic consumption of alcohol, affects 107 million people worldwide. Individuals with AUD experience high morbidity and increased mortality. Nurses practicing in acute care are ideally positioned to deliver quality interventions to patients with AUD, including screening and brief intervention; formal training and assessment of baseline knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions are necessary. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of acute care nurses caring for patients with AUD. This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The Survey of Attitudes and Perceptions was completed by 93 nurses working in six acute care centers (seven medicine units) across Alberta. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Few participants reported receiving any prior structured training on AUD, with the majority reporting limited knowledge of alcohol and the effects of alcohol consumption. Although most participants said that caring for patients with AUD was a part of their professional role, few felt satisfied or motivated to work with this group of patients. Responses to individual questions or subdomains of the survey did not significantly differ by length of time in professional role, employment status, or sex. Our results indicate that nurses need to learn more about caring for patients with AUD. Developing tailored educational interventions that are mindful of the importance of knowledge, support, satisfaction, and motivation is necessary to improve the quality of care for patients with AUD.

Evaluating the impact of motivational interviewing on engagement and outcomes in a web-based self-help intervention for gambling disorder: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundSelf-paced internet interventions for gambling problems offer cost-effective, accessible, and private alternatives to traditional psychotherapy for a population that rarely seeks help. However, these interventions have been relatively slow to develop, evaluate, and deploy at scale relative to those for other addictive behaviors. Moreover, user engagement remains low despite the high interest. Motivational interviews have improved the effectiveness gambling bibliotherapy but have not been augmented with an analogous web-based self-guided program. ObjectivesThis trial aimed to replicate and extend prior work by translating a paperback workbook to the internet and pairing it with a single motivational interview. It was hypothesized that the motivational interview would enhance program engagement and gambling outcomes. MethodsA two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted. Treatment-seeking Canadian adults recruited solely via social media received one year of access to a web-based self-guided program, either alone (N = 158) or in combination with a virtual motivational interview completed upon enrolment (N = 155). The program was based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Gambling severity, expenditures, frequency, and duration were assessed via online questionnaires at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-baseline, along with secondary outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, nonspecific psychological distress, alcohol consumption). ResultsBaseline characteristics were indicative of severe gambling problems and concurrent mental health problems but not problematic alcohol consumption in this sample. Both treatment groups demonstrated roughly equal improvements across all gambling outcomes and most secondary outcomes over time, except alcohol consumption, which did not meaningfully change. Changes were most prominent by 3 months, followed by more gradual change by 6 and 12 months. Only 57 % of gamblers who were assigned to receive a motivational interview completed that interview. About 40 % of users did not complete any program modules and 11 % completed all four. No group differences in program engagement were observed, although the number of modules completed was associated with greater reductions in gambling behaviors in both groups. DiscussionThe problem of user engagement with web-based self-help programs remains. There is a dose-response relationship between engagement and outcomes when engagement is measured in terms of therapeutic content completed. ConclusionsThe addition of a motivational interview to a web-based self-help program for gambling problems was unsuccessful in improving engagement or outcomes. Future work should aim to make self-guided programs more engaging rather than solely making users more engaged. Trial registrationRegistered on 7 July 2020 (ISRCTN13009468).

A prevention program for binge drinking among students based on mindfulness and implementation intention (ALCOMEDIIT): a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe emergence of new problematic alcohol consumption practices among young people requires new dynamics in prevention strategies. In this context, the ADUC project (Alcohol and Drugs at the University of Caen) aims to develop a better understanding of alcohol consumption, and in particular the practice of binge drinking (BD) in students, in order to develop relevant and adapted prevention tools. The ALCOMEDIIT study (Rin Normandie and IRESP funding; Agreement 20II31-00 - ADUC part 3) is a randomized controlled trial that focuses on the specific determinant of impulsivity. The main objective of this experiment is to assess a program for the prevention of BD practices based on motivational interviewing (MI) associated with implementation intention (II) and mindfulness meditation (MBM) in a student environment.MethodsThis study will include 170 healthy subjects who will be students at the university, alcohol users, with a BD score > 1 in the month preceding the inclusion but not presenting any specific disorder. The trial will be proposed by e-mail and students who meet the inclusion criteria will join either a control group which will benefit from a MI or an experimental group which will additionally benefit from an initiation to MBM with II (initial visit T0). In order to measure the effectiveness of the prevention program in terms of BD decrease, a follow-up at 1 month (T1) as well as a follow-up at 6 months (T6; exploratory) will be proposed to all participants. The total duration of this research protocol is 21 months.DiscussionThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the interest of associating mindfulness meditation practices and implementation of self-regulation strategies to optimize their use, with a motivational interview in an innovative prevention program aiming at reducing alcohol use and BD practice in the student population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05565989, September 30, 2022.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05565989Protocol version 2.0 (September 2022)No. ID-RCB : 2022-A00983-40

Are behavioural risk factors clusters associated with self-reported health complaints? University students in Finland.

No previous research of university students in Finland assessed lifestyle behavioural risk factors (BRFs) and categorized students into clusters, explored the associations of the clusters with self-reported health complaints (HCs), whilst controlling for potential confounders. The current study undertook this task. Students at the University of Turku (1,177) completed an online well-being questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic variables, 5 BRFs - problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, illicit drug use, food consumption habits, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and 22 HCs. A food frequency questionnaire assessed students' consumption of a range of foods, and a dietary guideline adherence score was computed based on WHO dietary recommendations for Europe. Three separate regression models appraised the associations between the cluster membership and HCs factors, adjusting for sex, income sufficiency and self-rated health. Mean age was 23 ± 5.2 years, 77% had never smoked and 79% never used illicit drug/s. Factor analysis of HCs resulted in four-factors (psychological, circulatory/breathing, gastro-intestinal, pains/aches); cluster analysis of BRFs identified two distinctive student clusters. Cluster 1 represented more healthy students who never smoked/used illicit drugs, had no problematic drinking, and undertook MVPA on 4.42 ± 3.36 days/week. As for cluster 2 students, half the cluster smoked occasionally/daily, used illicit drug/s, and > 50% had problematic drinking and students undertook MVPA on 4.02 ± 3.12 days/week. More cluster 2 students adhered to healthy eating recommendations, but the difference was not significant between clusters. Regression analysis revealed that females, those with sufficient income, and with excellent/very good self-rated general health were significantly less likely to report all four HCs. Cluster 2 students were significantly more likely to report psychological complaints, circulatory/breathing and gastro-intestinal complaints. There was no significant association between BRFs clusters and pains/aches factor. Risk taking students with less healthy lifestyles and behaviour were consistently associated with poorer psychological and somatic health.

Age-related variations of the psychosocial determinants of problematic alcohol consumption

Objective As alcohol consumption generally occurs in interpersonal contexts, many studies have examined the psychosocial mechanisms underlying drinking habits. However, most have focused on young/student populations, and far less is known regarding how these psychosocial determinants evolve through adulthood. We thus compared the weight of psychosocial factors in problematic alcohol consumption among young, middle-aged and older people from the general population. Methods A general population sample completed an online survey (N = 614, M age = 34.44, Range= 18–85). We measured demographic variables, problematic alcohol consumption and alcohol-related psychosocial factors (i.e. expectations, motives, norms, social identity, anxiety and depression). We performed dominance analyses to rank the importance of these psychological factors in explaining problematic alcohol consumption across young (18–24, n = 252), middle-aged (25–40, n = 179), and older (>40, n = 183) individuals. Results In young adults, enhancement motives were the most important determinant of problematic alcohol consumption, followed by social drinking identity, coping and social motives. In the middle-aged group, social identity had the highest contribution, followed by social and enhancement motives. Finally, problematic alcohol consumption among older adults was mainly related to coping motives and social identity. Discussion We showed that the psychosocial determinants of problematic alcohol consumption differ with age. While social drinking identity has a significant influence throughout the age groups, we documented a progressive shift from positive (social/enhancement) to negative (coping) reinforcement between younger and older individuals. This study provides a better understanding of the profiles of consumers according to age, and offers guidelines to adapt prevention and interventions to the age group targeted.

Characterization of alcohol consumption among 5th and 6th year students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Sede Rosario, year 2023

Introduction: In 2017, global alcohol consumption was 243 million hectoliters (Mhl), with Argentina being the eighth largest alcohol consuming country in the world (8.9 million hl). Among university students, alcohol is consumed to increase feelings of well-being, power and sociability, to improve their emotional state and to cope with stressful situations. This is proportionally associated with harmful alcohol consumption.Objective: To describe the characteristics related to alcohol consumption among 5th and 6th year students of the Medical School of the UAI - Rosario Campus in the year 2023.Materials and methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, based on surveys, in which the case of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Sede Rosario, during the month of June 2023 was described.Results: 113 people (n total) were interviewed in the present study, among them, 72 were female (63.5%) and 41 were male (36.5%), with a mean age of 28.77± 5.31 (min. 23, max. 50). Among the female population, 26.4% showed risky or harmful use or symptoms of dependence, while 26.8% were male. With regard to age, 28.3% of those who presented risky, harmful consumption or dependence symptoms were between 20 and 25 years old, followed by 25.7% between 26 and 30 years old, 30.8% between 31 and 35 years old, 16.7% between 36 and 40 years old, and 16.7% between 36 and 40 years old,16.7% were between 36 and 40 years of age, and finally 33.3% were over 40 years of age. Conclusion: In the present study, more than a quarter of the surveyed population presented a pattern of risky, harmful consumption or symptoms of alcohol dependence. Among the latter, the population of both sexes presented a similar pattern of problematic consumption. In relation to age, those between 20 and 25 years old, followed by those between 26 and 30 years old presented a more risky consumption. The vast majority of students with problematic or harmful alcohol consumption expressed feelings of guilt after drinking

Association Between Psychosocial Stress and Brain Aging: Results of the Population-Based Cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

Recent studies suggest that psychosocial factors can have an impact on brain health. Yet, it is unclear whether psychosocial stress affects aging of the brain. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between psychosocial stress and brain aging. Data from the German population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (N=991; age range 20-78 years) were used to calculate a total psychosocial stress score by combining subscores from five domains: stress related to the living situation, the occupational situation, the social situation, danger experiences, and emotions. Associations with brain aging, indicated by an MRI-derived score quantifying age-related brain atrophy, were estimated by using regression models adjusted for age, gender, education, diabetes, problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension. The relative risk ratio for advanced brain aging was 1.21 (95% CI=1.04-1.41) for stress related to emotions in fully adjusted models. The interactions between stress related to emotions and mental health symptoms were also significantly associated with advanced brain aging. The association between higher total psychosocial stress and brain aging was not statistically significant. These findings highlight that high stress related to emotions is associated with advanced brain aging. To protect brain health in older age, more research is needed to explore the role of emotional distress.

Immersive virtual plus-maze to examine behavior and psychophysiological-related variables in young people with problematic alcohol and cannabis consumption

Stressful events appear to be risky situations that can precipitate the consumption of drugs. One way to recreate stressful contexts, in an ecological and controlled method, is through immersive virtual reality (VR). In our study, we designed the scenario of an elevated plus-maze (EPM) using VR, which is widely used in animal models to assess unconditioned anxiety. This task allowed us to analyze the behavioral, psychophysiological (heart rate and electrodermal activity), and hormonal response (salivary cortisol and Alpha-amylase) to this stressful situation in different moments (before VR task (anticipation), at the end of the task and 10 minutes later) in young people with problematic alcohol use (AU, n = 27), alcohol combined with cannabis consumption (AU + C, n = 10), as well as in a control group (CO, n = 33). Behavioral analysis revealed that the AU group displayed fewer entries into open arms than the CO group, whereas both experimental groups spent less time at the end of the open arms, as well as lower time by look down index compared to the CO group. Moreover, our VR EPM induced different psychophysiological responses in the different moments measured. In general, electrodermal activity seemed to be a good biomarker of recovery from a stressful situation, as once the exposure to the stressful situation ended, the AU + C group took longer to recover compared to the CO group. Regarding hormonal analyses, we observed a similar response pattern in all groups suggesting that our VR task was able to activate both stress systems. The alpha-amylase to cortisol ratio, proposed as a biomarker of stress systems dysregulation, was higher in the group of young participants with alcohol abuse. Interestingly, our VR EPM was able to induce a slight alcohol craving in both experimental groups. In conclusion, our results suggest certain subtle behavioral and physiological differences that could be used to detect young individuals at risk of future severe addictions or other stress-related comorbidities. Moreover, it could help us to develop prevention strategies focused on emotional, cognitive, and psychophysiological aspects.

Neuroanatomical predictors of problematic alcohol consumption in adolescents: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

This study aimed to systematically review the literature on neuroanatomical predictors of future problematic drinking in adolescents. Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate neuroanatomical predictors of problematic alcohol consumption in adolescents. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to 6 January 2023. Studies were included if they were original, had a prospective design, had a sample size of at least 12, had a follow-up period of at least 1 year, had at least one structural neuroimaging scan before 18 with no prior alcohol use, and had alcohol use as the primary outcome. Studies were excluded if they had animals only and were not in English. Risk of bias was conducted using the CASP tool. Out of 1412 studies identified, 19 studies met the criteria, consisting of 11 gray matter (n = 4040), 5 white matter (n = 319), and 3 assessing both (n = 3608). Neuroanatomical predictors of future problematic drinking in adolescents were reported to be distributed across various brain regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex and paralimbic regions. However, the findings were largely heterogeneous. This is the first systematic review to map out the existing literature on neuroanatomical predictors of problematic drinking in adolescents. Future research should focus on the aforementioned regions to determine their role in predicting future problematic drinking with more certainty.

Minors and drug-facilitated sexual assaults: Between submission and chemical vulnerability.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a topic of growing social concern in recent years. Despite this, few empirical studies carried out in Spain have analysed the phenomenon from a preventive approach. The aim of this study, in addition to providing new evidence on DFSA, specifically in minors, was to identify possible associated variables, thus contributing to a better understanding of the problem and to the design of more effective prevention policies. To this end, a survey was carried out among minors in the autonomous community of Galicia. A total of 7,181 students aged 12 to 17 (M = 14.79; SD = 1.57) participated. Data collection was carried out by means of a self-administered questionnaire on paper. Data concerning DFSA were collected by means of specific items, piloted beforehand. Screening instruments for problem drug use (AUDIT, CAST, CRAFFT and EUPI-a) were also used. The results allow us to estimate the rate of victimisation by DFSA in Galician minors at 1.7%, of which only 11.4% would have reported it. Beyond the socio-demographic profile of the victims (females in 2 out of 3 cases), they present different patterns with regard to the pattern of problematic consumption of alcohol and other substances and the pattern of problematic use of the Internet and social networks, with a significantly higher prevalence of online risk behaviours. This suggests that this phenomenon goes far beyond sexual violence, so it is necessary to address it at a preventive level from a comprehensive perspective, including educational and public health perspectives.

The Effect of Very-Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Central Nervous System and Their Potential Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder: Reviewing Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data.

Alcohol use poses a significant global health concern, leading to serious physical and socioeconomic issues worldwide. The current treatment options for problematic alcohol consumption are limited, leading to the exploration of alternative approaches, such as nutraceuticals. One promising target is very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n-3 PUFAs). This review aims to compile the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on alcohol use disorders and related outcomes. The findings suggest that VLC n-3 PUFAs may alleviate the physiological changes induced by alcohol consumption, including neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Additionally, they can reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce stress level, all of which are closely associated with problematic alcohol consumption. However, more research is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which VLC n-3 PUFAs exert their function. Furthermore, PUFAs should not be considered a standalone solution, but as a complement to other therapeutic approaches. Although preliminary evidence supports the potential therapeutic effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on problematic alcohol consumption, additional research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of PUFAs as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

The Involvement of Age, Gender, and Personality Variables in Alcohol Consumption during the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Romanian University Students

This study aimed to explore the age, gender, and personality variables involved in alcohol consumption (AC) at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania among 210 bachelor’s and master’s students aged between 19 and 25 years. The results of the Freiburg Personality Inventory–Revised and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were examined using a logistic model and cluster analysis. The prevalence of problematic AC was relatively low (10.5%). The risk of males being part of the problematic AC cluster was 5.223 times higher than that of females (p < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with a decrease in the risk of belonging to the problematic cluster by a factor of 0.733 (p = 0.001). Increasing scores on the Frankness and Somatic Complaints personality scales were associated with a decreased risk of belonging to the problematic cluster of AC, with factors of 0.738 (95% CI, 0.643 to 0.848), Wald χ2(1) = 18.424, and p < 0.001 and 0.901 (95% CI, 0.813 to 0.999), Wald χ2(1) = 3.925, and p = 0.048, respectively. More action to prevent AC is needed in men, especially in those at the beginning of their university studies. It is necessary to intervene to decrease the interest in making a good impression (low scores on the Frankness Scale) so as to increase healthy autonomy using critical thinking and find a balance between the internal and external loci of control. Students from faculties with profiles that deal with health and its promotion are less vulnerable to problematic alcohol consumption, even if they have a withdrawn, pessimistic personality (low scores on Somatic Complaints).

Problematic alcohol consumption in teachers: analysis of social imaginaries in the series Merlí Sapere Aude and The Chair

Problematic alcohol consumption in teachers: analysis of social imaginaries in the series Merlí Sapere Aude and The Chair

A psychological profile of drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol (driving while intoxicated [DWI]) is a rather large social problem. It can be influenced by the driver’s personality, risk perception, difficulties related to hyperactivity, or attention deficit and alcohol dependencies; all of which share complex relations with each other, increasing the probability of criminal behaviour while driving and of road accidents. The purpose of this study is to explore the way in which personality, personality disorders, risk perception and behaviour while driving, hyperactivity or attention deficit, and the problematic consumption of alcohol are expressed in a sample of Spanish drivers who had been found guilty of committing DWI offences. These results are compared with those recorded for a sample of drivers with no history of such violations. For this study, a total of 115 subjects sentenced to perform road safety-related community service work (CSW) as a result of DWI convictions, as well as 97 drivers with no violations, were evaluated using Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) tests, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Our results reveal that DWI traffic offenders exhibit risky consumption and signs of dependence (on alcohol and/or other drugs), and low levels of risk perception that are significantly lower than those observed for drivers without infractions. The logistic regression model provides data that supports the implication of a low perception of risk while driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the violation of rules, extroverted personality traits, openness and cordiality, the indications of possible paranoid and antisocial PDs, and a below-university level of education as predictors of road crime due to DWI. This statistical solution offers a classificatory model with adequate internal and external validity. This scientific evidence could be useful for the design and improvement of prevention and reinsertion plans.

Commentary on Hyland et al.: Digital treatment for alcohol use disorders - challenges and opportunities.

Hyland and colleagues found no significant effects of an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (iCBT) as addendum to treatment as usual in individuals with moderate alcohol use disorders. While findings can be attributed partially to methodological issues, future studies should focus upon patient preferences and include potential side effects of internet-based interventions. In the field of problematic alcohol consumption, digital interventions have shown promise in non-clinical populations [1]; however, little is known about their efficacy in clinical populations fulfilling criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Internet-delivered treatment has rapidly evolved as an option for various mental disorders. First meta-analyses show positive effects when compared to non-active controls in disorders such as depression and agoraphobia [2-4], but also for addictive disorders, especially behavioural addictions [5] and tobacco smoking [6]. Given that disorders due to alcohol and/or drugs are highly stigmatized, internet-delivered interventions might be a relevant tool for narrowing the treatment gap in the field. In their excellently conducted randomized controlled trial (RCT), Hyland and colleagues [7] found only weak evidence for an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention as addendum to treatment as usual (TAU) in individuals with AUDs compared to TAU. However, it has to be taken into account that, as comparator in this study, TAU included far more evidence-based components than would usually be expected in most treatment systems world-wide. The high rate of participants willing to take (and receiving) medication is particularly impressive: data from the United States show that only 16.3% of all speciality treatment programmes for alcohol use disorders offered any single medication for AUD treatment [8]. Furthermore, as all participants in the Hyland et al. study were self-selected, the initial motivation to change already might have produced strong effects, especially if we consider the high rates of unassisted recovery that are common in alcohol use disorders [9]. Another encouraging finding is that overall treatment initiation and completion rates are relatively high compared to digital self-help interventions in the field of affective and anxiety disorders [10], where efficacy of these interventions has already been demonstrated. There is no evidence that guided or unguided internet-delivered interventions for AUDs are associated with lower rates of treatment uptake compared to face-to-face delivery. A prior study from the research group of Hyland et al. on a therapist-guided iCBT intervention compared to therapist-delivered CBT showed no differences in uptake numbers between the two conditions, and both interventions did not differ on outcomes [11]. Another RCT on iCBT as a stand-alone intervention for individuals with AUDs [12] even showed that retention rates were better in the iCBT condition compared to therapist-delivered CBT, and that both conditions were superior compared to TAU (which included lower doses of treatment compared to the Hyland et al. study). Given that internet-delivered treatment requires a high level of patient engagement, future studies should take into account the interaction between type of treatment and patient preferences. Internet-delivered interventions might be a good option for some, but certainly not for all, patients suffering from AUDs. A systematic review on effects of matching patient preferences to treatment in the field of substance use disorders suggests that treatment effects might be improved, although findings were inconsistent [13]. Patient preferences have become increasingly important for the development of clinical interventions, and they could play an important role for improving treatment uptake and outcomes by affected individuals [14]. Finally, only recently have studies on the efficacy of treatment assessed potential side effects. A potential risk of digital interventions is that these interventions might incorrectly be viewed as sufficient by some individuals who otherwise would be willing to engage in other evidence-based treatments. The significant difference between the conditions in the Hyland et al. study regarding receipt of medication shows the need for further rigorous, well-conducted studies. For a more detailed understanding on processes of change in newly developed interventions, mixed-methods studies that include the experiences of patients are warranted. GB conceptualized and wrote the manuscript. None.

Prevalence and variables associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among Chilean higher education students, post-pandemic.

Mental health among university students is a public health problem in Chile, understanding that this population is susceptible to mental disorders. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and variables influencing depression, anxiety, and stress in Chilean university students. A representative sample (n = 1,062) of Chilean university students and a cross-sectional study design were used. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors associated with symptomatology. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables was applied in November 2022, in addition to the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21), instruments with excellent reliability in this population (α = 0.955; ω = 0.956). On the other hand, the Questionnaire of Problematic Alcohol and Drug Consumption (DEP-ADO) was applied. A descriptive analysis was performed, followed by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression using SPSS version 25. The variables showed a value of p <0.05; they were declared statistically significant in the final model. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted to a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), which was used to determine the independent predictors. The prevalence of mental health problems in this population was high, with depressive symptoms in 63.1% of the sample; 69.2% with anxiety; 57% with stress; 27.4% with problematic alcohol consumption; and 14.9% with inappropriate marijuana consumption. Some 10.1% of the sample reported daily medication with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics. Concerning significant variables for depression, these were: being female, belonging to sexual, not having children, having problematic marijuana use, and using prescription drugs. Concerning anxiety, the significant variables were being a woman, belonging to sexual minorities, being an adolescent, and consuming prescription medication. Finally, concerning stress, the significant variables were being a woman, belonging to sexual minorities, being a student dedicated exclusively to academic activities, and taking prescription medication. Chilean university students presented a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress, where being female and belonging to sexual minorities seem to be the variables that have the greatest impact on susceptibility to mental health problems. These results should call the attention of political and university authorities in Chile to improve this population's mental health and quality of life since they are the following professional generation of our country.

Problematic alcohol use in post-bariatric patients - a qualitative study.

Research shows an increased risk of alcohol use disorders in post-bariatric patients. This study aims to gain insight into what post-bariatric patients receiving treatment for substance use think are the possible causes for developing problematic alcohol consumption after surgery. Ten in-depth interviews were held with post-bariatric patients receiving treatment for substance use in 2020 (six men and four women). The data material was transcribed and analysed using the stepwise deductive-inductive (SDI) method. The participants first started to experience problematic alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery. They described new, intense feelings of intoxication and how their body responded differently to alcohol. Alcohol now functioned as an appetite stimulant, pain reliever and food replacement. Most participants had positive experiences during the initial post-operative period, but they described an ambivalence towards their bodily changes and an increased mental vulnerability in the years following the surgery. The new effect and function of alcohol after the procedure may have made the participants more vulnerable to problematic alcohol consumption.

Combination of Two Behavioral Techniques Reduces Craving in Problematic Alcohol Consumption by One Third: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Craving alcohol is a core symptom of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and an important target for treatment. A new line of treatment for AUD aims at overriding the urge to consume alcohol by changing implicit cognitions via approach bias modification (ApBM). In a prior study, we tested a variant of ApBM called imaginal retraining, which reduced craving. As addiction and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) share important symptoms (e.g., inability to resist urges), for the present study we merged imaginal retraining with a technique aimed at BFRB, called decoupling, to augment treatment effects. We hypothesized that the new technique, which is called 3P, would lead to a greater reduction in craving relative to (active) control conditions. Methods: The study was conducted online. Data from 227 participants were considered. Participants were randomized to 1 out of 5 conditions. Craving for alcohol before and after the brief intervention was the primary outcome. Results: Only the 3P condition lessened craving by approximately one third at an almost medium effect size (improvement: 34.5%, p = 0.003, d = 0.458). Effects were significantly larger relative to the wait-list control and two active control conditions (p’s < 0.02; greater reduction than imaginal retraining at a small but nonsignificant effect size). Discussion/Conclusion: If replicated, the combination of imaginal retraining and decoupling (3P) represents a promising, easy-to-implement self-help technique to reduce immediate craving. Long-term effects in participants with formally diagnosed AUD have not yet been investigated.

Alcohol guideline awareness and beliefs among Australian nurses: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundNurses have an important role in detection and intervention for those with problematic alcohol consumption. To reduce the societal burden of alcohol consumption, the Australian guidelines to reduce the health risks from drinking alcohol were revised in 2020. AimTo report on nurse awareness of the revised alcohol guidelines and explore nurses’ beliefs around the revised alcohol guidelines. MethodsA sequential mixed-methods approach used convenience sampling to recruit a national sample of Australian nurses to complete an online survey to assess guideline awareness. Qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 42) were used to explore nurses’ education, beliefs, and awareness of the revised alcohol guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey responses, and qualitative data were analysed using structural coding. FindingsOnly 8.8% (n = 101) of 1,145 nurse respondents correctly selected the current alcohol guidelines from four choices. Qualitative analyses suggest nurses poor understanding of the revised guidelines can be attributed to deficiencies in education and training on the new guidelines. DiscussionResponses reflect those of the general community, indicating poor awareness of the 2020 revised alcohol consumption guidelines. Beliefs that guidelines were too strict were mentioned by nurses. Mapping findings to the Theoretical Domains Framework Behaviour Change Taxonomy suggested strategies to implement the guidelines into clinical practice include education and training, organisational support, and role modelling. ConclusionNurses must use contemporary guidelines and practices to reduce the health risks from alcohol. We suggest tailored education strategies for nurses including role modelling of guidelines in clinical practice, organisational support, and education to improve awareness and application.