Identification and characterization of older emergency department patients with high-risk alcohol use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High-risk alcohol use in the elderly is a common but underrecognized problem. We tested a brief screening instrument to identify high-risk individuals.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at a single emergency department. High-risk alcohol use was defined by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines as >7 drinks/week or >3 drinks/occasion. We assessed alcohol use in patients aged ≥ 65 years using the timeline follow back (TLFB) method as a reference standard and a new, 2-question screener based on NIAAA guidelines. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE) screens were used for comparison. We collected demographic information from a convenience samp

SUBMITTER: Shenvi CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7593462 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature