Silke Behrendt1, Alexis Kuerbis2, Ulrik Becker3, Anna Mejldal4, Kjeld Andersen4, Anette Søgaard Nielsen4, Janne Tolstrup3, Marie Holm Eliasen5. 1. Institute of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, and Psychiatric Department, Region of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 18, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. Electronic address: sbehrendt@health.sdu.dk. 2. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, United States. 3. National Institute of Public Health, Studiestraede 6, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark. 4. Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, and Psychiatric Department, Region of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 18, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. 5. Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Knowledge is lacking on distinct health-related risk profiles among the substantial group of middle-aged and older adults with risky alcohol use (AU). Such profiles could inform the planning of interventions and prevention. AIMS: To 1) identify distinct health-related profiles based on different types of health-related functioning limitations and distress and 2) assess associations between these profiles and age, sex, and health-relevant behaviors (e.g., smoking). METHODS: Cross-sectional nation-wide Danish health survey with n = 6630 adults aged 55-64 and n = 7605 aged 65-74 with at least risky AU (>84 g ethanol/week in women, >168 in men). Health-related risk profiles were identified with Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Multinomial regression was applied for the association between risk profiles and auxiliary variables. RESULTS: A six-class LCA solution was found among 55-64 year-olds (classes: 'Normative' [61%], 'Distress' [6%], 'Mental health limitations [5%]', 'Pain-related distress [10%]', 'Broad limitations and pain distress [7%]', 'High overall burden' [11%]) and a five-class solution among 65-74 year-olds. Most classes were comparable across age groups. The 'Distress'-class characterized by pain-distress, tiredness-distress, and sleep-related distress (6%) only showed in the younger group. In both age groups, auxiliary covariates (high-risk AU, possible alcohol use disorder, weekly smoking) were positively associated with problematic profile membership (vs. normative class membership). CONCLUSION: Middle-aged and older adults with risky AU have distinct health-related profiles relevant for the form and content of prevention and interventions. Despite their distinct features, almost all problematic health profiles warrant careful attention regarding high-risk AU and probable alcohol use disorder.
BACKGROUND: Knowledge is lacking on distinct health-related risk profiles among the substantial group of middle-aged and older adults with risky alcohol use (AU). Such profiles could inform the planning of interventions and prevention. AIMS: To 1) identify distinct health-related profiles based on different types of health-related functioning limitations and distress and 2) assess associations between these profiles and age, sex, and health-relevant behaviors (e.g., smoking). METHODS: Cross-sectional nation-wide Danish health survey with n = 6630 adults aged 55-64 and n = 7605 aged 65-74 with at least risky AU (>84 g ethanol/week in women, >168 in men). Health-related risk profiles were identified with Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Multinomial regression was applied for the association between risk profiles and auxiliary variables. RESULTS: A six-class LCA solution was found among 55-64 year-olds (classes: 'Normative' [61%], 'Distress' [6%], 'Mental health limitations [5%]', 'Pain-related distress [10%]', 'Broad limitations and pain distress [7%]', 'High overall burden' [11%]) and a five-class solution among 65-74 year-olds. Most classes were comparable across age groups. The 'Distress'-class characterized by pain-distress, tiredness-distress, and sleep-related distress (6%) only showed in the younger group. In both age groups, auxiliary covariates (high-risk AU, possible alcohol use disorder, weekly smoking) were positively associated with problematic profile membership (vs. normative class membership). CONCLUSION: Middle-aged and older adults with risky AU have distinct health-related profiles relevant for the form and content of prevention and interventions. Despite their distinct features, almost all problematic health profiles warrant careful attention regarding high-risk AU and probable alcohol use disorder.
Authors: Felicia Ahlner; Hanna Falk Erhag; Lena Johansson; Madeleine Mellqvist Fässberg; Therese Rydberg Sterner; Jessica Samuelsson; Anna Zettergren; Margda Waern; Ingmar Skoog Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-06 Impact factor: 4.614