Basic epidemiologic research for targeted comprehensive prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in four northern American Indian communities was the focus of this NIAAA-funded project. A survey of 1536 randomly selected individuals was conducted in four northern U.S. American Indian communities, the largest epidemiologic survey of adult drinking behavior ever completed among American Indians. The sample was 56% female and 44% male. The mean age of initial drinking was 15.2 (14.5 for men, 15.8 for women), and regular drinking began at age 17.7 (17.1 for men, 18.2 for women). Thirty-five percent of the entire sample report abstinence from alcohol (last 12 months). Among those that drank during the past 30 days, some report drinking large quantities, most commonly in an episodic (binge) pattern. Drinkers report consuming an average of 7.4 drinks per drinking day (S.D.=6.2), and binging (5+ drinks) an average of 5.1 days per month (S.D.=5.8). The drinkers also have been "high" or drunk an average of 25 times (last 12 months). Inferential analyses including discriminant and functional analysis will be used to examine the impact of alcohol consumption patterns (abstainers vs. occasional, regular, and heavy drinkers) on social problems such as: arguments, fighting, staying drunk for several days, driving while intoxicated, vehicle crashes, being "high" or drunk on the job, absence from jobs, loss of job, and marital discord.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the conference attendee will be able to: 1. Understand the prevalence of alcohol and drug use within these four northern American Indian communities. 2.Identify risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug use within these four communities. 3. Learn how these data will support FAS prevention efforts
Keywords: Alcohol, American Indians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.