At-risk drinking in an HMO primary care sample: Prevalence and health policy implications

Author(s): Manwell, L. B., Barry, K. L., Johnson, K.

Journal/Book: Am J Public Health. 1998; 88: 1015 Fifteenth St NW, Washington, DC 20005. Amer Public Health Assoc Inc. 90-93.

Abstract: Objectives. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of at-risk drinking using varying alcohol use criteria. Methods. A period prevalence survey was conducted in 22 primary care practices (n = 19 372 adults). Results. The frequency of at-risk alcohol use varied from 7.5% (World Health Organization criteria) to 19.7% (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria). A stepwise logistic model using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria found male gender, current tobacco use, never married status, retirement, and unemployment to be significant predictors of at-risk alcohol use. Conclusions. Public health policy needs to move to a primary care paradigm focusing on identification and treatment of at-risk drinkers.

Note: Article Fleming MF, Univ Wisconsin, Ctr Addict Res & Educ, Dept Family Med, 777 S Mills St, Madison,WI 53715 USA

Keyword(s): HARMFUL ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION; COLLABORATIVE PROJECT; MODERATE DRINKING; BREAST-CANCER; CIRRHOSIS; MORTALITY

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