Benjamin H Han1, Kristin Masukawa2, David Rosenbloom3, Alexis Kuerbis4, Eric Helmuth3, Diana H Liao2, Alison A Moore5. 1. Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, New York University School of Medicine, United States. Electronic address: Benjamin.Han@nyumc.org. 2. Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, United States. 3. Boston University School of Public Health, United States. 4. CUNY Hunter Silberman School of Social Work, United States. 5. Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While the number of older adults who engage in unhealthy drinking is increasing, few studies have examined the role of online alcohol screening and intervention tools for this population. The objective of this study was to describe characteristics of drinking behaviors among older adults who visited an alcohol screening and intervention website, and compare them to younger adults. METHODS: We analyzed the responses of visitors to Alcoholscreening.org in 2013 (n=94,221). The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use, behavioral change characteristics, and barriers to changing drinking were reported by age group (ages 21-49, 50-65, 66-80). Logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with receiving a plan to either help cut back or quit drinking. RESULTS: Of the entire study sample, 83% of respondents reported unhealthy drinking (exceeding daily or weekly recommended limits) with 84% among 21-49year olds, 79% among 50-65year olds, and 85% among adults over 65. Older adults reported fewer negative aspects of drinking, lower importance to change, highest confidence and fewer barriers to change, compared to younger adults. In the adjusted model, females (AOR=1.45, p<0.001) and older adults (AOR=1.55, p<0.002) were more likely to receive a plan to change drinking behaviors. DISCUSSION: An online screening and intervention tool identified many older adults with unhealthy alcohol use behaviors and most were receptive to change. Web-based screening and interventions for alcohol use have the potential to be widely used among older adults.
BACKGROUND: While the number of older adults who engage in unhealthy drinking is increasing, few studies have examined the role of online alcohol screening and intervention tools for this population. The objective of this study was to describe characteristics of drinking behaviors among older adults who visited an alcohol screening and intervention website, and compare them to younger adults. METHODS: We analyzed the responses of visitors to Alcoholscreening.org in 2013 (n=94,221). The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use, behavioral change characteristics, and barriers to changing drinking were reported by age group (ages 21-49, 50-65, 66-80). Logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with receiving a plan to either help cut back or quit drinking. RESULTS: Of the entire study sample, 83% of respondents reported unhealthy drinking (exceeding daily or weekly recommended limits) with 84% among 21-49year olds, 79% among 50-65year olds, and 85% among adults over 65. Older adults reported fewer negative aspects of drinking, lower importance to change, highest confidence and fewer barriers to change, compared to younger adults. In the adjusted model, females (AOR=1.45, p<0.001) and older adults (AOR=1.55, p<0.002) were more likely to receive a plan to change drinking behaviors. DISCUSSION: An online screening and intervention tool identified many older adults with unhealthy alcohol use behaviors and most were receptive to change. Web-based screening and interventions for alcohol use have the potential to be widely used among older adults.
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