Lisa K Berger1, Michael Fendrich, Adam Lippert. 1. Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research, Helen Bader School of Social Wefare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee 53211, USA. lberger@uwm.edu
Abstract
CONTEXT: At-risk drinking is of particular concern in Wisconsin. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence and demographic characteristics of hazardous drinkers in the Milwaukee area. DESIGN: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by means of telephone interviews as part of the 2005 Greater Milwaukee Survey. PARTICIPANTS: From 2614 households randomly selected for study participation, 937 adult residents participated in the survey. STUDY MEASURE: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) measure was used to classify residents into 1 of 2 drinking groups: non-hazardous or hazardous drinkers. RESULTS: Based on a response rate of 35.8%, approximately 25% of Milwaukee area residents were estimated to be hazardous drinkers. Significant associations were found between several demographic characteristics and the drinking group variable. In addition, logistic regression results revealed that younger adults, in particular 18-29 year olds, men, non-minorities, individuals with no underage children in the household, and Milwaukee County residents were most at-risk for hazardous drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Local health care professionals should consider implementing alcohol screening and brief intervention, especially among at-risk individuals. Targeted state-level intervention resources also are needed, in particular, resources that serve young adults 18-29 years old.
CONTEXT: At-risk drinking is of particular concern in Wisconsin. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence and demographic characteristics of hazardous drinkers in the Milwaukee area. DESIGN: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by means of telephone interviews as part of the 2005 Greater Milwaukee Survey. PARTICIPANTS: From 2614 households randomly selected for study participation, 937 adult residents participated in the survey. STUDY MEASURE: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) measure was used to classify residents into 1 of 2 drinking groups: non-hazardous or hazardous drinkers. RESULTS: Based on a response rate of 35.8%, approximately 25% of Milwaukee area residents were estimated to be hazardous drinkers. Significant associations were found between several demographic characteristics and the drinking group variable. In addition, logistic regression results revealed that younger adults, in particular 18-29 year olds, men, non-minorities, individuals with no underage children in the household, and Milwaukee County residents were most at-risk for hazardous drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Local health care professionals should consider implementing alcohol screening and brief intervention, especially among at-risk individuals. Targeted state-level intervention resources also are needed, in particular, resources that serve young adults 18-29 years old.