BACKGROUND: Despite the accumulated evidence on the efficacy of brief interventions in hazardous drinkers some ambiguity remains regarding their differential effectiveness by gender. METHODS: Meta-analysis of independent studies conducted in primary health care settings with a follow-up of 6-12 months which report results separately by gender. Two outcome measures were selected: the quantity of typical weekly alcohol consumption and the frequency of drinkers who reported consumption below hazardous levels after the intervention. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized effect sizes for the reduction of alcohol consumption were similar in men (d=- 0.25; 95% CI=- 0.34 to -0.17) and women (d=- 0.26; 95% CI=- 0.38 to - 0.13). The odds ratios (OR) for the frequency of individuals who drank below harmful levels were also similar (four studies; OR for men=2.32; 95% CI=1.78-2.93; OR for women=2.31; 95% CI=1.60-3.17). The difference between genders was negligible. CONCLUSION: Our results support the equality of outcomes among men and women achieved by brief interventions for hazardous alcohol consumption in primary care settings.
BACKGROUND: Despite the accumulated evidence on the efficacy of brief interventions in hazardous drinkers some ambiguity remains regarding their differential effectiveness by gender. METHODS: Meta-analysis of independent studies conducted in primary health care settings with a follow-up of 6-12 months which report results separately by gender. Two outcome measures were selected: the quantity of typical weekly alcohol consumption and the frequency of drinkers who reported consumption below hazardous levels after the intervention. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized effect sizes for the reduction of alcohol consumption were similar in men (d=- 0.25; 95% CI=- 0.34 to -0.17) and women (d=- 0.26; 95% CI=- 0.38 to - 0.13). The odds ratios (OR) for the frequency of individuals who drank below harmful levels were also similar (four studies; OR for men=2.32; 95% CI=1.78-2.93; OR for women=2.31; 95% CI=1.60-3.17). The difference between genders was negligible. CONCLUSION: Our results support the equality of outcomes among men and women achieved by brief interventions for hazardous alcohol consumption in primary care settings.
Authors: Shelly F Greenfield; Audrey J Brooks; Susan M Gordon; Carla A Green; Frankie Kropp; R Kathryn McHugh; Melissa Lincoln; Denise Hien; Gloria M Miele Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2006-06-08 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: Shiela M Strauss; Corrine E Munoz-Plaza; Nelson J Tiburcio; Marya Gwadz Journal: J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care Date: 2011-05-12 Impact factor: 1.354