Gebreyesus Kidane, PhD, MPH¹, John O. Davies-Cole, PhD, MPH¹, and Garret Lum, MPH². (1) Bureau of Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-442-9150, gkidane@dchealth.com, (2) Bureau of Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Health, 825 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Background: Certain health-risk behaviors (e.g., smoking, drunk driving, and seatbelt nonuse) tend to cluster with alcohol misuse. Binge drinking, drinking before driving, and driving without the use of seatbelts are linked to serious traffic injury and death among adults.

Objective: Evaluate risk factors associated with alcohol misuse in the District of Columbia.

Methods: Data from the District of Columbia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey of 1997 and 2002 were analyzed using SUDAAN software, and statistical rates weighted to the population’s characteristics. Data for alcohol consumption including various risk factors such as seatbelt use were analyzed by gender, race, age, and geographic location.

Results: The prevalence of binge drinking increased from 12% in 1997 to 17% in 2002, an increase of over 41%. Higher rates of alcohol consumption were found in Whites, followed by Hispanics, other races, and Blacks. Binge drinking by males was higher than females. The prevalence of seatbelt use was 15.4% for adults who drink and drive, and 26.2% for those who did not drink and drive. Significant differences for the above risk factors were observed by ward of residence, gender, age, and race. However, the risk of not using seatbelts is on the decline. It decreased from 22.0% in 1997 to 12.1% in 2002. Not using seat belts is associated with increased traffic.

Conclusion: Alcohol prevention programs in the District of Columbia should concentrate on sociodemographic and health behaviors arising from alcohol consumption instead of focusing on alcohol consumption alone.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify risk behaviors associated with alcohol consumption
• Determine the prevalence of binge drinking and seatbelt use in the District of Columbia
• Describe appropriate intervention measures for excessive alcohol consumption

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.