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APHA 2007 APHA
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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing
3371.0: Monday, November 05, 2007 - Board 4

Abstract #151334

Factors associated with alcohol use and its consequences

Marshall Dean Alameida, PhD, RN, CNS1, Charlene Harrington, PhD, RN, FAAN2, Mitch LaPlante, PhD1, Joseph Mullan, PhD1, Taewoon Kang, PhD3, and Linda Chafetz, DNS, RN4. (1) Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94118, 925-256-4128, Marshall.Alameida@ucsf.edu, (2) Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 3333 California St., Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94118, (3) Dept. of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 340, San Francisco, CA 94118, (4) Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, 2 Koret Way #N-511H, San Francisco, CA 94142-0608

Abstract Design and Methods: This study examined secondary data from a national probability survey – the NSDUH in 2003 which was weighted to represent 212,686,651 community-dwelling adults 18 and older. Multivariate analyses were used to examine selected factors associated with alcohol use. This study first examined a subset of variables to understand trait (socio-demographic) factors and drug use in relation to alcohol use considering a number of different measures of alcohol use (frequency and quantity). The relationship of trait factors and alcohol use on alcohol disablement, alcohol risk behavior, alcohol abuse/dependence, and alcohol treatment was also examined. Findings: The data showed that alcohol problems occur at levels less than 10 drinks per month. The consequences were that 16,516,050 persons self-reported emotional or physical or role function problems due to alcohol, with 10,701,870 drinking and engaging in dangerous activities and 30,711,740 drinking and driving. Approximately 15,618,070 incurred a need for alcohol treatment that was not met. Discussion: Male gender and drug use were the strongest predictors of the quantity of alcohol consumption, which was a strong predictor for disablement, risk behavior and alcohol abuse/dependence. Disablement and risk behaviors predicted alcohol treatment; however, alcohol treatment occurs after individuals have very high alcohol consumption levels. Self reported alcohol problems occur at levels that are below those levels that are recommended for safe consumption. A large treatment gap exists that underscores current problem drinkers are not receiving treatment. Summary: The policy implications are that the recommended guidelines for alcohol use are in need of review.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learner Objectives
  • Cognitive Domain