 |
|
BMC researchers find that single question can identify unhealthy alcohol use in patients
March 12, 2009(Boston) Researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC) have found that a single-screening question recommended by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) accurately identifies unhealthy alcohol use in primary-care patients. This research supports the use of the brief screen in the primary-care setting. The BMC study appears online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Unhealthy alcohol use, the spectrum from risky consumption to alcohol use disorders, alcohol abuse and dependence, is prevalent but under-diagnosed in primary-care settings. Commonly used alcohol screening instruments are comprised of multiple questions, often do not cover the full spectrum of unhealthy use, and can be time consuming to administer. Consequently, many patients are not screened.
The NIAAA recommends a single-question screen for unhealthy alcohol use. The recommended question asks, "How many times in the past year have you had X or more drinks in a day?" (where X is 5 for men and 4 for women). While similar single-question screens have been validated in various settings, the NIAAA recommended screening test had not been validated in the primary-care setting. BMC researchers attempted to validate this version of the screening question in a sample of primary-care patients.
Of the 286 study participants reviewed, unhealthy alcohol use was reported by 31 percent of participants. Six percent consumed risky amounts but did not have alcohol-related problems or a disorder, 13 percent consumed risky amounts and had problems but no current disorder and 12 percent had a current alcohol use disorder. The single-question screen was 81.8 percent sensitive and 79.3 percent specific for the detection of unhealthy alcohol use. It was slightly more sensitive and less specific for the detection of a current alcohol use disorder.
"The single-question screening recommended by the NIAAA appears to have favorable characteristics," said lead author Peter Smith, MD, attending physician in the section of General Internal Medicine at Boston Medical Center. "Single-question screening tests for unhealthy alcohol use may help to increase the frequency of screening in primary-care."
Researchers further state that screening and brief intervention by primary-care physicians for those with unhealthy alcohol use reduces risky consumption among those without dependence and improves patient outcomes.
Boston University
Of the 286 study participants reviewed, unhealthy alcohol use was reported by 31 percent of participants. Six percent consumed risky amounts but did not have alcohol-related problems or a disorder, 13 percent consumed risky amounts and had problems but no current disorder and 12 percent had a current alcohol use disorder. The single-question screen was 81.8 percent sensitive and 79.3 percent specific for the detection of unhealthy alcohol use. It was slightly more sensitive and less specific for the detection of a current alcohol use disorder.
"The single-question screening recommended by the NIAAA appears to have favorable characteristics," said lead author Peter Smith, MD, attending physician in the section of General Internal Medicine at Boston Medical Center. "Single-question screening tests for unhealthy alcohol use may help to increase the frequency of screening in primary-care."
Researchers further state that screening and brief intervention by primary-care physicians for those with unhealthy alcohol use reduces risky consumption among those without dependence and improves patient outcomes.
Boston University
Alcohol Use Current Events and Alcohol Use News RSSTaking medicine for HIV proves hard to swallow for many people
Highly active antiretroviral therapy has increased the longevity and quality of life for people living with human immunodeficiency virus. But it requires strict adherence in taking the medicine, something that is extremely difficult for many individuals to do.
Concern over alcohol use among UK South Asians
Alcohol use in South Asians in the UK is under-recognised, and alcohol related harm is disproportionately high, warn researchers in an editorial published on bmj.com today.
Substance abuse diagnostic test for teens can also predict high risk sexual behavior
Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity; leading to substantial health risks such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted illnesses, drug overdoses and alcohol poisonings.
Nation's leading experts on substance abuse outline new research agenda
With substance abuse now accounting for one in 14 hospital admissions and generating billions in health care costs, leading scientists held a briefing on Capitol Hill today to present the evidence that we already have and the evidence we need in treating and preventing the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Smoking during pregnancy puts children at risk of psychotic symptoms
Mothers who smoke during pregnancy put their children at greater risk of developing psychotic symptoms in their teenage years.
Researchers develop an integrated treatment for veterans with chronic pain and posttraumatic stress
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a growing number of soldiers evacuated to the United States for comprehensive care for physical and psychological trauma.
Working too much can be dangerous for teen's sexual health
Allowing teens to work too many hours in the wrong environment can be dangerous for their sexual health by fostering conditions that lead them to older sex partners, a new study shows.
Moving to the US increases cancer risk for Hispanics
Results of a new study confirm trends that different Hispanic population groups have higher incidence rates of certain cancers and worse cancer outcomes if they live in the United States, than they do if they live in their homelands.
Poor sleep in children may have prenatal origins
A study in the Aug.1 issue of the journal SLEEP found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children born at term.
M. D. Anderson study finds common diabetic therapy reduces risk of pancreatic cancer
Taking the most commonly-prescribed anti-diabetic drug, metformin, reduces an individual's risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 62 percent.
More Alcohol Use Current Events and Alcohol Use News Articles
 |
Choices and Consequences: What to Do When a Teenager Uses Alcohol/Drugs by Dick Schaefer (Author) What to do when a teenager uses alcohol/drugs telling kids who are using alcohol or other drugs to just say no isn't enough; the adults in their lives need to take action. Written for parents, teachers, family doctors, mental health professionals, school guidance counselors, social workers, juvenile justice workers, clergy, and others concerned about children and young adults, choices & consequences describes a practical, proven step-by-step intervention system that anyone can use to stop a teens harmful involvement with alcohol and other drugs and start him or her on the road to a richer, fuller life. |
 |
Teenage Drunk Driving & Alcohol Use (1979) This 1979 film offers three short, open-ended dramatizations of alcohol abuse designed to stimulate educational discussion from the audience. In the first, called "The Party," the new boy at school offers his classmates the use of his house for a drinking party while his parents are away. The second, "The Mother," shows a drunken mom picking up her daughter and a friend at the mall, embarrassing the daughter in the process and exploring the danger of teens with an alcoholic parent. The last short, entitled "The Ride," shows younger students pressured to drink and then engaging in teenage drunk driving. The following discussion should be about the dangers of substance abuse, the effects of alcohol, and drunk driving accidents. |
 |
NOTICE USE OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL DRUGS OR FIREARMS ON COMPANY PROPERTY IS GR by Accuform Signs DURA-ALUMALITETM (XL) Ultra-light combined with high-strength makes this composite aluminum sign extremely durable - to withstand tough conditions - indoors and outdoors - from impacts and flexing to abuses such as vandalism. Material Features: 40% lighter |
|
Wheaton Alcohol Burner for use with isopropyl or denatrd ethyl alco; Low-heat flame; Grnd glass stop by Wheaton Burner, Alcohol; Wheaton; Soda-lime glass; Designed for use with isopropyl or denatured ethyl alcohol; Low-heat flame; With ground glass stopper | |
 |
TEEN TRUTH: AN INSIDE LOOK AT DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE Starring: America's Teens Directed By: Erahm Christopher Also With: Erahm Christopher (Producer), Erahm Christopher (Writer), JC Pohl (Producer) |
 |
AlcoHawk PT500/Elite Single Mouthpiece by KHN Solution for Alcohol Breathalyzer; At Home Use by KHN Solutions LLC Single mouthpieces used by AlcoHawk PT500/Elite/Precision Alcohol breathalyzer |
 |
Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment: Staying Sober through Hypnosis by Beverly Hills Hypnosis (Author), Trevor H Scott (Author) Has alcohol become a problem for you? Are you ready for change? Whether you are looking to stop drinking alcohol completely or just reduce the amount you drink, our Beverly Hills Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment CD can help! Beverly Hills Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment CDs use a special blend of hypnosis, relaxation techniques and guided imagery that will enable you to regain control over your life! |
 |
Falcon Exponent Multipurpose Computer Audio Video Cleaning Wipes DMPT by Falcon Exponent Leave any washable surface clean and static-free. These new, thicker, softer, alcohol-free wipes will get the job done. Safe to use on computer cabinets, keyboards, printers, phones, fax machines, copiers, desktops, etc. To clean a computer or laptop, use soft, dry MicorCloth XL to remove any excess solution. New easy-to-use canister ensures product freshness. |
 |
NOW Foods Stevia Liquid Extract Alcohol, 2 Ounce Glass Bottle (Pack of 5) by NOW Foods This natural herb extract is intended for dietary supplement purposes only. Stevia rebaudiana is a natural herb that grows in Asia and South America. |
 |
Clever Catch Drug & Alcohol Use Topics Ball by American Educational Products Get the ball rolling with our New Drug & Alcohol Vol. II Clever Catch ®. This ball focuses specifically on Use Topics with question like, "When was the first time you used?" or What time of day do you like to use?" General drug and alcohol questions are included as well. This Clever Catch ® is to be used as a discussion tool in one-on-one counseling, group therapy sessions or similar situations. This ball is not suitable for a typical classroom. With over 40 questions, it's easy to open a conversation and keep it going. The Clever Catch® way to learn! This classic inflatable teaching tool has a place in every classroom. These classic manipulatives also make perfect gifts for the children on your shopping list. The combinations of games and questions are endless and the learning... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |