Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.nursing,sci.med.pharmacy
From: [jwat c h] at [world.std.com] (Journal Watch)
Subject: Journal Watch Summaries for August 9, 1994
Date: Tue, 9 Aug 1994 15:24:50 GMT


  This is Journal Watch, a medical-literature
survey produced by the Massachusetts Medical
Society.
  Twice a week, our physician-editors summarize
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  Contents copyright 1994, Mass. Medical Society.



Journal Watch Summaries for August 9, 1994


ALCOHOL QUESTIONNAIRE CAN PAVE THE WAY TO
INTERVENTION.
  J Fam Pract 1994 Jul; 39:26-32.



ALCOHOL QUESTIONNAIRE CAN PAVE THE WAY TO
INTERVENTION.
   Screening for alcohol abuse is most effective when
coupled with intervention. In designing an intervention, it
is helpful to know the patient's own attitudes. This study
tested a questionnaire screening process designed to elicit
this information.
   Of 3750 eligible adults from 12 urban and semirural
family practice groups in North Carolina, 2716 (72 percent)
completed the questionnaires. Those who reported any
drinking were further assessed for alcohol problems with the
CAGE questions, which ask whether the patient wants to Cut
down on drinking, is Annoyed by criticism about drinking,
has Guilt about drinking, or Ever drinks in the morning.
   The 53 percent of patients who reported drinking were
significantly more likely than nondrinkers to be white,
male, under age 40, and educated beyond high school. Nine
percent of drinkers (7 percent of whites and 23 percent of
blacks) answered yes to at least two CAGE questions, and 67
percent of these problem drinkers said they would like to
reduce their drinking within the next month. Health
improvement was the major motive cited for wanting to reduce
consumption; perception of alcohol as a stress reducer was
the most common barrier.
   Comment: This study shows that a questionnaire can
effectively screen for problem drinking, assess patients'
interest in reducing alcohol consumption, and identify
perceived benefits and barriers. It should be noted that all
subjects in this study were receiving regular medical care;
the questionnaire may be less useful in other populations.
--JC Puffer.
   Citation: Strecher VJ; et al. Opportunities for alcohol screening
and counseling in primary care. J Fam Pract 1994 Jul; 39:26-32.