Alcohol Use Disorders in the Emergency Room

Patterns of alcohol consumption and blood alcohol levels in emergency room patients.

The study was conducted in a public hospital of the province of Jujuy, Argentina.

A survey was conducted among all patients during the 24 hours of 4 consecutive days (N = 500) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, short version (AUDIT-C). Blood samples were collected in 84% of participants.

Results showed that;

37% were hazardous drinkers (men 50% vs. women 23%),
29% had symptoms of dependence (men 48% vs. women 11%);
17% of men and 3% of women had high blood alcohol levels, equal or greater than 50 mg/dl.

In multivariate logistic regression models men had;

increased likelihood of hazardous drinking (Adjusted OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.1-5.0),
symptoms of dependence (Adjusted OR 7.5; 95% CI 4.4-12.7) and
increased blood alcohol levels (Adjusted OR 8.0; 95% CI 2.2-28.8), compared with women.

Patients admitted due to accidents, violence, or drug use, had;

increased likelihood of hazardous drinking (Adjusted OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.9),
dependence symptoms (Adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3) and
increased blood alcohol levels (Adjusted OR 7.7; 95% CI 3.0-19.8), compared with those admitted for other reasons.