Risky Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

Sex-Specific Associations Between Lifestyle Factors and Sick Leave in the Serbian Working Population: Findings from the National Health Survey

Background/Objectives: Sick leave is influenced by various modifiable lifestyle factors and sex differences. This study investigates the associations between body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption and sick leave among Serbia’s working population, with emphasis on sex differences. Methods: Data from the 2019 National Health Survey of Serbia were analyzed, involving a sample of 4652 individuals. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models assessed the relationships between lifestyle factors and sick leave. Results: Among the participants, 15.8% reported sick leave in the past 12 months, with higher rates among women in both short-term (13.9% vs. 10.6%) and long-term (3.4% vs. 2.2%) sick leave. This study identifies obesity (OR = 2.6), poor dietary habits (fruit OR = 2.1; vegetables OR = 2.8), smoking (OR = 1.9), and risky alcohol consumption (OR = 4.1) as key predictors of sick leave in men, while smoking (OR = 1.8) and risky alcohol consumption (OR = 3.1) are major predictors in women. The inconsistent association between diet, physical activity, and sick leave may be attributed to differences in reporting accuracy, differing definitions of healthy intake, or the influence of unmeasured lifestyle factors. Conclusions: Smoking and risky alcohol consumption increase the odds of sick leave for both sexes. Interventions targeting smoking cessation and mitigating risky alcohol consumption could significantly decrease sick leave rates. While fruit and vegetable consumption, along with physical activity, showed inconsistent effects in both sexes, further studies are warranted to elucidate their roles.

Prevecardio: a single-visit population screening model for detection and prevention of 10-year cardiovascular risk

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major contributor to global mortality. The early detection of cardiovascular risk factors, coupled with timely intervention strategies, is essential for CVD prevention. PreveCardio was developed as an innovative, single-visit population screening model designed to facilitate the early identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors within a population of 1 million in a European capital city region totaling 6 million inhabitants. Purpose This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors within the general population and to evaluate the effectiveness of the PreveCardio model in estimating 10-year cardiovascular risks and promoting preventive interventions. Methods In this cross-sectional prevalence study, individuals aged 50 to 75 from a health network were randomly selected and invited to participate in a comprehensive health check. The 30-minute screening consisted of lifestyle evaluations, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests for lipid profiles and glycated haemoglobin. The methodology was designed to provide participants with immediate feedback on their results, cardiovascular health and practical guidance for risk management. Results From the 8,492 individuals solicited, 3,546 took part in the screening: 56,83% were female, mean age 61,17 ± 7,33 y.o. Picture 1 shows the population's percentages with various modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including 20% with active smoking, 30% with sedentarism, 16% with risky alcohol consumption, 49% with non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 40% with overweight, and 30% with obesity. The screening revealed new diagnoses of LDL-hypercholesterolemia in 47% participants, high levels of blood pressure in hypertension range in 49%, prediabetes in 30% and diabetes in 2% (Picture 2). After use SCORE2 and SCORE-OP risk prediction algorithms, PreveCardio is estimated to potentially prevent between 39 to 202 fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events over 10 years. Predictive modelling based on PreveCardio data projected that expanding the screening across the capital region could prevent at least 26,260 cardiovascular events over 10 years. Conclusion(s) PreveCardio has established itself as a viable and effective model for the early detection of cardiovascular risk factors in a general population. It holds significant promise for public health impact by potentially reducing the incidence of CVD through comprehensive screening and proactive intervention.

Work- & family-related stress & the risk of hazardous alcohol use: role of sex and social support

Abstract Background There is a lack of longitudinal studies investigating the effect of individual stress factors on alcohol use behaviour, and how sex and social support may mitigate the effect of these stressors. We aimed to determine the association of work- and family-related stressors with developing hazardous alcohol use over time among habitual drinkers, and to examine the role of sex and social support in these associations. Methods A sample of 4,046 individuals, working and living in Stockholm, age 25-55 years, habitual drinkers, who answered the PART study (Swedish acronym for Mental Health, Work and Social Relations) questionnaire regarding work- and family-related stress (exposures) in 1998-2000 (wave1) and 2001-2003 (wave2) were followed until 2010 (wave3) regarding hazardous alcohol use (outcome) measured using Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Identification-Test (AUDIT) score ( > =8 in men, > =7 in women). Weights for selective attrition were calculated, and crude and multivariate (adjusting for sociodemographic, health- and previous stress-related factors) logistic regression models, yielding Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were used to estimate the exposure-outcome associations. Analyses were stratified for sex and social support in general and at work. Results Job strain (a combination of high demand and low control) was not statistically significantly associated with hazardous alcohol use (OR, CI: 1.3, 0.9-1.9). Among those reporting any family-related stress, a significantly higher risk was observed (OR, CI: 1.5, 1.1-2.1), particularly among women (OR, CI: 1.7, 1.02-2.7) and those with low social support (OR, CI: 2.1, 1.2-3.6). These associations became non-significant after adjusting for previous family-related stress. Conclusions Public health measures aiming to prevent transitions from habitual to hazardous alcohol use should give special attention to individuals with family-related stress, especially among women and those with low social support. Key messages • While job stress was not significantly associated, those experiencing family-related stress had a higher risk of hazardous alcohol use, especially among women and those without social support. • Individuals experiencing family-related stress, particularly women and those lacking social support, require special attention in public health prevention strategies for risky alcohol consumption.

What makes medical students choose their residencies? Association between mental health of medical students and their choices of future medical specialties

Background: Excessive cognitive demands and chronic stress contribute to the occurrence of mental health problems among medical students. It may be hypothesized that the presence of such disturbances have an influence on their choices of post-graduate training programs. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of mental health of medical students and to assess if there is any association between the prevalence of mental health problems and their residency choices. Materials and methods: 114 medical students were surveyed in terms of their residencies' choices and their mental health with the usage of validated psychological questionnaires. Results: 74 (64,91%) of medical students needed psychiatric or psychological treatment at some stage in their lives. Intensity of risky alcohol consumption was positively correlated with the choice of surgery (p=.0000) and negatively correlated with the choice of psychiatry (p=.0000). The severity of depressive symptoms was positively correlated with emergency medicine choice (p=.0479). Anxiety symptoms, eating disorders and autism spectrum severity symptoms were not significantly correlated with the choice of any medical specialty. Conclusions: Medical students were found seriously affected by mental health problems, what to some extent seemed to impact their future career choices.

Suicide deaths and substance use in Spain between 2010 and 2022.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects our entire country. The aim of this research was to study the variation in completed suicide rates between 2010 and 2022 in Spain and their relationship with the consumption of addictive substances. Completed suicide data from the Spanish Statistical Office (INE) were analyzed with a joinpoint regression model to determine time trends. The relationship between the variation in completed suicide rates with sociodemographic variables, including depression rates, obtained from the Spanish Statistical Office and variables related to the consumption of substances obtained from the survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain (EDADES) of the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD) was also studied using an exploratory analysis and also performing a Generalized Additive Model. The joinpoint regression model did reveal a point of significant change in the period studied for Spain showing a trend of increased suicide death rates for the studied period. The following variables correlated positively with the variation in completed suicide rates in the Generalized Additive Model: alcohol use in the past 12 months, alcohol use in the last 30 days, daily alcohol use in the last 30 days, binge drinking in the last 12 months, binge drinking in the last month, positive Alcohol Use Disorder Test for risky alcohol use, benzodiazepine use in the last 12 months, benzodiazepine use in the last month, daily benzodiazepine use in the last month, use of illegal substances in the last 12 months, use of illegal substances in the last month, mean age and depression rates. Applying preventive strategies on the risky consumption of alcohol, benzodiazepines and illegal substances would help reduce the rates of completed suicide in Spain.

Alcohol consumption in cancer patients receiving psycho-oncologic care analysis of socio-demographic, health-related and cancer-related factors.

The carcinogenic effects of alcoholic beverages and the negative impact of alcohol consumption on cancer progression and treatment outcomes are well established in oncology research. Many cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, often manifesting as elevated levels of depression and anxiety. In the general population, alcohol consumption is commonly used as a coping mechanism for such distress. For cancer patients facing substantial psychological challenges, psycho-oncology care is available to help manage their symptoms and the overall impact of their condition. However, there is limited understanding of the alcohol consumption patterns in this particularly vulnerable group of patients, as well as the disease-related factors that may influence their drinking behavior. This study aims to examine the prevalence of potentially risky alcohol consumption in cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology care and to identify sociodemographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors associated with alcohol consumption after cancer diagnosis. By understanding drinking patterns and the factors associated with them, we aim to promote healthier behaviors and enhance treatment outcomes for cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology care. A consecutive sample of 1.225 patients from the psycho-oncology outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) was analyzed with regard to their alcohol consumption behavior using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption Items (AUDIT-C). Self-report questionnaires were employed to assess sociodemographic, health-related, and cancer-specific information. For statistical analysis, multiple linear regression was utilized. In the sample of cancer patients receiving psycho-oncology support one in six of both female and male patients showed risky alcohol drinking behavior (e.g. AUDIT-C above three for women and four for men). In the analysis (R-Square: 0.056) male gender (regression coefficient B 0.686, 95% CI: 0.453-0.919) and patientsreporting a higher physical health-related quality of life (SF8-PCS) (B 0.021, 95% CI: 0.011-0.032) were associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, whereas having children (B -0.481, 95%CI: -0.700- -0.262) was associated with lower alcohol consumption. With regard to cancer type, a single-factor analysis of variance with gender as the centered covariate showed that patients with gastrointestinal cancer had had lower average consumption levels compared to the groups of patients with breast cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancer, and lymphoma. Also, patients with sarcoma had lower average consumption levels than patients with lymphoma. The results allow to identify patient characteristics and cancer types associated with higher or lower alcohol consumption levels and higher likelihood of risky consumption behavior in this sample of cancer patients receiving psycho-oncological support. Cancer patients are particularly susceptible to the hazardous effects of alcohol consumption. The results of this study help to identify cancer patients at risk of worsening prognosis due to alcohol consumption and to develop intervention programs to minimize alcohol consumption in this group.

Prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder following spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial.

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) may experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a higher rate, which is associated with worse psychiatric comorbidity, decreased quality of life, and greater disability. Yet, effective PTSD interventions remain understudied for individuals with SCI. We conducted the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an evidence-based psychotherapy (prolonged exposure [PE]) with survivors of SCI during acute rehabilitation. We examined the efficacy, feasibility, and secondary outcomes. Participants (n = 29) were adults recruited from 2018 to 2021 1-month postinjury with PTSD randomized into either PE therapy or treatment as usual. The primary outcome was PTSD assessed at baseline, 6, 10, and 32 weeks postenrollment. An overall group-by-time interaction was not statistically significant (p = .102), but effect sizes demonstrated moderate and large improvements in PTSD for the PE group at 6 (-19.4 vs. -9.7) and 10 (-25.8 vs. -5.7), respectively. Similarly, moderate to large effect sizes were observed for depression, maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions, disruptive nocturnal behaviors, SCI-related quality of life, and risky alcohol consumption. Low rates of enrollment (50%) and treatment completion (25%) suggest feasibility challenges; however, treatment completers did report high satisfaction (100%). Results suggest that individuals who received PE had a quicker and clinically meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms, but delivery during acute rehabilitation is not feasible for many individuals. Future research should examine abbreviated versions of PE for PTSD to enhance the feasibility of treatment in this setting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Enjoyment in Sport and Alcohol Use among Adolescents: Examining the Mediating Role of Engagement.

Alcohol consumption among young people is a significant public health concern. Previous studies have indicated that participation in sports, through the positive experiences it offers, may function as a protective factor against alcohol intake. This study aimed to examine the influence of enjoyment and personal fulfillment on adolescent alcohol use, exploring the role of engagement with sports as a mediating variable. A total of 370 adolescents (mean age = 15.08; SD = 1.48) participated in the study and completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, the Enjoyment in Sports Scale, and the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that enjoyment is related to lower alcohol consumption through personal fulfillment and engagement in sporting activity. It is crucial to facilitate positive experiences in sport that promote engagement and generate a sense of personal fulfillment, as these factors may reduce the likelihood of risky alcohol consumption.

COVID-19 Impact on Substance Use (Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis) and Stress in Medical Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges globally, impacting various aspects of daily life, including education. This study examines the effects of the pandemic on stress levels and substance use among Italian medical students. Two independent surveys were conducted: 388 medical students were interviewed before the epidemic, and 222 medical students a year after the COVID-19 epidemic began. Results revealed significant changes in stress levels, with a reduction in mild stress and an increase in severe stress during the post-pandemic period, rising from 23% (95% CI: 19%-28%) to 46% (95% CI: 39%-52%). While tobacco smoking prevalence remained stable (25% vs 27%), the proportion of students exhibiting high levels of nicotine dependence increased (3.64%) compared to the period before the pandemic (1.80%). Alcohol consumption rates remained consistent (66%), with no significant differences in the distribution of risky alcohol consumption between the two periods (<em>p</em> = 0.535). Surprisingly, there was a significant decrease in cannabis use post-pandemic (16% vs 6%), though problematic use among users persisted (49% vs 46%). Multivariable analysis confirmed associations between stress and tobacco smoking (AdjOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.11-3.53; <em>p</em> = 0.020), as well as alcohol consumption (AdjOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01-2.89; <em>p</em> = 0.047). Furthermore, male students were more likely to engage in alcohol (AdjOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.47-3.19; <em>p</em> < 0.001) and cannabis use (AdjOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07-3.00; <em>p</em> = 0.027). The study highlighted the complex interplay between stress and substance use among medical students, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions to address stress-related substance use and support the well-being of medical students, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of interventions in mitigating stress-related substance use among this vulnerable population.

Teaming Up with an AI: Exploring Human–AI Collaboration in a Writing Scenario with ChatGPT

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in generative pre-trained transformer large language models, have significantly enhanced the capabilities of text-generative AI tools—a development that opens new avenues for human–AI collaboration across various domains. However, the dynamics of human interaction with AI-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, remain largely unexplored. We observed and analyzed how people interact with ChatGPT in a collaborative writing setting to address this research gap. A total of 135 participants took part in this exploratory lab study, which consisted of engaging with ChatGPT to compose a text discussing the prohibition of alcohol in public in relation to a given statement on risky alcohol consumption. During the writing task, all screen activity was logged. In addition to the writing task, further insights on user behavior and experience were gained by applying questionnaires and conducting an additional short interview with a randomly selected subset of 18 participants. Our results reveal high satisfaction with ChatGPT regarding quality aspects, mainly cognitive rather than affect-based trust in ChatGPT’s responses, and higher ratings on perceived competence than on warmth. Compared to other types of prompts, mostly content-related prompts for data, facts, and information were sent to ChatGPT. Mixed-method analysis showed that affinity for technology integration and current use of ChatGPT were positively associated with the frequency of complete text requests. Moreover, prompts for complete texts were associated with more copy–paste behavior. These first insights into co-writing with ChatGPT can inform future research on how successful human–AI collaborative writing can be designed.

Impact of the pandemic on leisure physical activity and alcohol consumption

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic precipitated heightened morbidity and elevated mortality attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pandemic also influenced health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to examine changes in leisure PA and alcohol consumption in Sweden during the pandemic, and elucidate potential discrepancies in changes across demographic strata and socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsData were retrieved from two waves of the longitudinal cohort study Life conditions, Stress and Health (LSH) (n = 2,523). Two measures of change were used; longitudinal change relative to baseline (2012–2015) and reported change compared to before the pandemic. For these two change measures, differences between sex, age group and SES were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsRegardless of the change measure, the proportion of individuals with diminished PA was notably higher among females compared to males. Furthermore, relative to baseline, females were less likely to have increased their PA, however according to the reported change they were more likely to have increased PA. Longitudinal change in PA compared to baseline followed a reversed age gradient, while, according to reported change, a decrease in PA during the pandemic was most prevalent in respondents 45 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.8, CI: 1.2–2.5) and respondents 50 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.2–2.4). High SES was associated with a greater variability in PA. Alcohol consumption was generally reduced during the pandemic. However, individuals aged 40 or 45 years at baseline were more likely than others to have initiated risky alcohol consumption.ConclusionsFemales exhibited a greater propensity to alter their PA levels during the pandemic, with the most profound decreases observed among individuals of working ages. Despite a general downturn in alcohol consumption, individuals aged 40 and 45 had a heightened likelihood of having initiated risky alcohol consumption compared to individuals in other age cohorts. In conclusion, societal restrictions during a pandemic render a dual impact on PA levels. While posing a risk for decreased PA among individuals in working ages, the restrictions also present a potential window of opportunity to increase PA, particularly among females.

'Black Out Rage Gallon' (aka borg): An investigation of a risky drinking trend on TikTok.

A 'Black Out Rage Gallon' (borg) is a customised, individual alcoholic beverage popularised on TikTok, whereby half the water in a gallon jug is replaced with alcohol (usually spirits), flavourings, electrolytes and caffeine. We investigated the characteristics and portrayal of the emerging alcohol trend associated with the hashtag descriptor #borg on TikTok. We identified highly viewed TikTok videos with the #borg hashtag (n = 103) and conducted a content analysis, capturing viewer engagement ('likes', shares, comments), techniques used, characteristics of featured individuals, and the portrayal of alcohol and risky drinking behaviours. Alcohol was visible in three quarters of the videos analysed (n = 78, average amount of alcohol present 865 mL per borg) and consumed in one third of the videos (n = 34). One quarter of videos (n = 25) promoted alleged benefits of borg consumption compared to other alcohol products or approaches to drinking, yet only nine videos included a warning about potential harms. The borg trend on TikTok may encourage risky drinking, by portraying it in a style that younger viewers are likely to see as fun and entertaining. SO WHAT?: We were able to gain a better understanding of how this potentially health harming activity is represented on a social media platform that is popular with young people. The speedy dissemination of this trend highlights the need to monitor, investigate and counter emerging trends. Concurrently, there is an urgent need for content restrictions to limit the visibility and promotion of risky alcohol consumption on TikTok.

Relationship between risky alcohol consumption and academic performance in students in the health area at a Chilean University

Introduction: the phenomenon of alcohol consumption among university students, particularly in the field of health, is the subject of growing concern due to its potential impact on public health and academic performance.Objective: analyze the relationship between risky alcohol consumption and the academic performance of students studying in the health area at a Chilean university in the second semester of 2023.Methods: the study with a descriptive and transversal quantitative approach, with a sample of 361 students who responded to the AUDIT questionnaire. Academic performance was characterized using the university's grading system.Results: regarding alcohol consumption, 81,7 % (295 participants) showed low-risk consumption, 16,3 % (59 participants) high-risk consumption, and the remaining 1,9 % a possible consumption or dependence problem. Furthermore, a trend is observed in which students with problematic consumption are distributed between the categories of "good" (note 5) and "very good" (note 6), while risk and low-risk consumption are distributed between the categories of "very good", "good" and "sufficient".Conclusions: the findings of this study show that, in general, alcohol consumption does not appear to have a significant negative impact on the academic performance of health students. Although approximately 20 % of those surveyed reported problematic or risky consumption

Diagnostika alkoholovej choroby pečene u gastroenterológa

Summary: The alarming rise in morbidity and mortality from liver diseases is the reason for searching ways to reverse this trend. The COVID-19 period was a time of increased consumption of spirits in Slovakia and associated morbidity and mortality. An effective tool for early detection of risky alcohol consumption is screening in the form of the AUDIT questionnaire followed by intervention and screening of liver disease in the form of laboratory and imaging methods, including ultrasonography and elastography using non-invasive fibrosis indices. Screening for risky alcohol consumption and advanced liver fibrosis in gastroenterologist, hepatologist and general practitioner outpatient offices will help to detect at-risk individuals early and start intervention. This paper presents a screening proposal in the context of the latest EASL and AASLD guidelines and available current reviews of screening worldwide. The goal is to reduce the adverse effects of alcohol in Slovakia. Key words: risk alcohol consumption – AUDIT test – elastography – screening

‘I’m on board with the borg’ : encouraging risky alcohol use on TikTok

A ‘Blackout Rage Gallon’ (borg) is a dangerous new alcohol consumption trend popular with young people. It involves creating a customised, individual alcoholic beverage by replacing half the water in a four litre (gallon) jug with alcohol (usually spirits), flavourings, electrolytes and caffeinated energy drinks or caffeine supplements. The most prevalent ‘recipe’ calls for the addition of 750ml of alcohol. The ‘blackout’ part of the name refers to the intent of one person to consume the borg in one session, thereby encouraging risky alcohol use. Indeed, there have been reports in popular media of multiple hospitalisations attributed to consumption of borgs at college events in the United States. Part of the attraction of the trend is to label the borg with a clever name, usually incorporating the term ‘borg’. The trend has gained traction recently on TikTok, which has become an important, yet unregulated, source of information for the public including young people(1). We investigated TikTok videos associated with the hashtag #borg to better understand this dangerous new phenomenon. We identified and analysed highly viewed TikTok videos (n = 105) for engagement, techniques, characteristics of featured individuals, and the portrayal of alcohol and risky drinking behaviours. Alcohol was visible in three quarters of the videos analysed (n = 78), and consumed in one third (n = 34). The average amount of alcohol present was well in excess of safe drinking guidelines (865ml) One quarter of videos (n = 25) promoted alleged benefits such as control of volume of consumption, protection from drink spiking, and mitigation of side effects due to addition of electrolytes and water. Alarmingly, only 9 videos included a warning about potential harms of the borg or alcohol in general. Indeed, videos discussing potential harms and benefits tended to encourage the use of borg, for example ‘I’m on board with the borg’. Our study found the borg TikTok trend encourages risky drinking in a fun and entertaining way, supporting previous studies where the majority of content was positively portraying a product or behaviour(2). As there is an association between viewing alcohol-related content on social media and alcohol use(3), there is an urgent need for social media content restrictions to limit the visibility of risky alcohol consumption, particularly to underage users.

Men's experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial-morphing, safer drinking intervention.

Risky alcohol consumption behaviours remain commonplace, representing a major threat to health and safety, and are especially evidenced by young university students. Consequently, new interventions targeting this high-risk group are required. The current study investigated young male university students' experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial morphing, safer drinking intervention. Twenty-five male student participants were recruited, aged 18-34 years. Inductive thematic analysis of data gathered whilst participants were immersed in the intervention, and thereby exposed to alcohol-aged images of their own faces, produced four primary themes: alcohol as a threat to appearance and health, motivations to protect appearance, motivational aspects of the intervention, and proposed improvements and applications. The results of the current study suggested that participants expressed intentions towards healthier consumption/maintenance of already non-risky intake, supporting the potential of the facial-morphing appearance-based approach to address risky alcohol consumption, even in high-risk groups.

Alcohol consumption in early middle-aged Australian women and access to primary healthcare services: A cross-sectional study.

This study describes the prevalence of risky alcohol consumption in Australian women aged 40-45 years. It explores the relationship between demographic factors and access to and usage of primary healthcare services. Data were obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, Survey 8 (1973-78 cohort). Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression were used to assess associations of specific factors with risky alcohol consumption. Eleven per cent of respondents reported drinking >10 standard drinks per week. These 'risky alcohol drinkers' attend general practice as frequently as low-risk drinkers despite perceived poorer health. They reported 'rarely or never' seeing the same general practitioner (GP) and described themselves as having 'poor' access to a GP that bulk bills. This study provides unique insight into the primary healthcare attendance patterns and health status of early middle-aged Australian women who are 'risky alcohol drinkers'. They do not consistently see the same GP, which might present challenges in identifying them in primary care.

Primary Care Professionals' Empathy and Its Relationship to Approaching Patients with Risky Alcohol Consumption.

The aim of this study was to estimate the level of empathy among primary care (PC) health professionals and its relationship with their approach to patients at risk due to alcohol consumption. This is an observational, descriptive, and multicenter study that included 80 PHC professionals. The professionals completed a questionnaire comprising socio-occupational questions and inquiries regarding their actions when dealing with patients suspected of risky alcohol consumption. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used to measure their level of empathy and was completed by 80 professionals, of whom 57.5% were family physicians, 10% were nurses, and 32.5% were family- and community-medicine residents. The mean age was 39.5 ± 13.1 (SD) (range of 24-65 years) and 71.3% were females. The mean empathy level score was 112.9 ± 11.1 (95% CI: 110.4-115.4; range: 81-132 points). Actions that stood out for their frequency were providing health advice in the general population, offering advice to pregnant women, and recommending abstinence to users of hazardous machinery or motor vehicles. The level of empathy was associated with age (p = 0.029), the health center's scope (p = 0.044), systematic alcohol exploration (p = 0.034), and follow-ups for patients diagnosed with risky consumption (p = 0.037). The mean score obtained indicated a high level of empathy among professionals. Professionals with greater empathy more frequently conducted systematic screening for risky alcohol consumption.

The Influence of Age, Gender, Health-Related Behaviors, and Other Factors on Occupationally Relevant Health Complaints of Singers.

Professional singers' careers are usually associated with health-relevant factors that they themselves may or may not be able to influence. We have therefore investigated the effect of modifiable health-related behaviors and non-modifiable factors on singers' occupational health. In an explorative, questionnaire-based study, self-reported, occupationally relevant health complaints and behaviors, along with singer-specific characteristics, were surveyed from 349 professional singers and voice teachers (116 men, 233 women; age 18-73 years) and the influence of age, gender, duration of daily and lifelong singing, voice category, and health-related behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity) on occupationally relevant health complaints were analyzed using bi- and multivariate statistical methods. Singers reported less risky alcohol consumption (5.4% versus ≈15%) and smoking (15.5% versus 29.7%) than the general population, and too little physical activity was described in two thirds of both populations. After controlling for multiple testing, no effect was found for these behaviors, the time spent singing daily, gender, or voice categories on singers' complaints. Health complaints were significantly fewer for males (P < .001) and older women and were reported more frequently for higher-pitched male voices, a trend not found in females. Singers seem to smoke and drink less than members of the general population. These factors did not affect their complaints. Female singers described more work-related health complaints than males, a finding that corresponds to women in the general population. Older singers reported fewer complaints than younger singers, possibly because of selection effects or older singers acquiring strategies to avoid health-damaging behavior.

The Relation of Social-ecological Factors and Health Literacy to Medical Students' Alcohol Use Behavior in Hubei Province, China.

Health literacy (HL) plays a crucial role in the adolescent's behavior. Inadequate HL can contribute to engaging in risky alcohol consumption, but little is known about this relationship among medical students. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HL and alcohol use among Chinese medical students. Study Design: A cross-sectional design. This research was conducted on 1146 medical students in Hubei province, China. The data were collected using a web-based online questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was applied to investigate factors related to alcohol use. Approximately 45.3% of medical students were drinkers, about 11.5% were hazardous drinkers, and 33.8% were low-risk drinkers; furthermore, about 49.3% of them reported lower levels of HL. In both the low-risk and hazardous drinking groups, the subjects who had low levels of all six dimensions of HL were more likely to use alcohol after adjusting for other covariates, including cognitive skill (adjORfor low-risk=3.50; 95% CI: 2.41, 5.07, adjORhazardous=2.07; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.51), access skill (adjORfor low-risk=2.11; 95% CI: 1.46, 3.05, adjORhazardous=2.40; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.19), communication skill (adjORfor low-risk=1.72; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.47, adjORhazardous=2.21; 95% CI: 1.22, 4.00), self-management skill (adjORfor low-risk=1.73; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.59, adjORhazardous=4.01; 95% CI: 1.91, 8.44), media skill (adjORfor low-risk=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.23, adjORhazardous=4.68; 95% CI: 2.15, 10.17), and decision skill (adjORfor low-risk=2.12; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.00, adjORhazardous=2.25; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.74). Inadequate HL plays an important role in increasing alcohol use. Thus, prevention and intervention strategies should be based on improving medical students' HL.