Namkee G Choi1, Diana M DiNitto2, C Nathan Marti3. 1. School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin. nchoi@austin.utexas.edu. 2. School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin. 3. Division of Statistics and Scientific Computation, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Despite the increasing number of older adults who have a history of substance use, little research has been done on alcohol- and drug-related driving safety among older drivers. This study (a) examined risk factors for older adults' driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) and (b) discerned differences between those aged 50-64 and those aged 65+. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data came from the public use files of the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health for respondents aged 50+ (N = 29,634). Descriptive statistics were used to present sample characteristics by past year substance use and self-reported DUI status for age groups 50-64 and 65+. Age group separate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for DUI. RESULTS: Of past-year substance users in the 50-64 and the 65+ age groups, 14.54% and 6.19%, respectively, self-reported DUI. Higher frequency alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, and major depressive episode significantly increased the odds of DUI in both age groups. Lifetime arrest history was a predictor in the 65+ age group only. IMPLICATIONS: Research is needed to improve identification of older drivers at high risk of DUI. Driving safety assessments for older adults can incorporate screening for substance abuse and comorbid mental conditions to identify those at high DUI risk. Older adults who engage in risky substance use should be directed to appropriate services that address substance use and mental health problems concurrently.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Despite the increasing number of older adults who have a history of substance use, little research has been done on alcohol- and drug-related driving safety among older drivers. This study (a) examined risk factors for older adults' driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) and (b) discerned differences between those aged 50-64 and those aged 65+. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data came from the public use files of the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health for respondents aged 50+ (N = 29,634). Descriptive statistics were used to present sample characteristics by past year substance use and self-reported DUI status for age groups 50-64 and 65+. Age group separate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for DUI. RESULTS: Of past-year substance users in the 50-64 and the 65+ age groups, 14.54% and 6.19%, respectively, self-reported DUI. Higher frequency alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, and major depressive episode significantly increased the odds of DUI in both age groups. Lifetime arrest history was a predictor in the 65+ age group only. IMPLICATIONS: Research is needed to improve identification of older drivers at high risk of DUI. Driving safety assessments for older adults can incorporate screening for substance abuse and comorbid mental conditions to identify those at high DUI risk. Older adults who engage in risky substance use should be directed to appropriate services that address substance use and mental health problems concurrently.
Authors: Deborah S Hasin; Tulshi D Saha; Bradley T Kerridge; Risë B Goldstein; S Patricia Chou; Haitao Zhang; Jeesun Jung; Roger P Pickering; W June Ruan; Sharon M Smith; Boji Huang; Bridget F Grant Journal: JAMA Psychiatry Date: 2015-12 Impact factor: 21.596
Authors: Linda L Hill; Howard Andrews; Guohua Li; Carolyn G DiGuiseppi; Marian E Betz; David Strogatz; Patricia Pepa; David W Eby; David Merle; Tara Kelley-Baker; Vanya Jones; Samantha Pitts Journal: Inj Epidemiol Date: 2020-08-03