Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: recommended limits, but 37.4% (6,280,569 of 16,771,716; 95% CI: 34.9%, 40.0%) had Harmful consumption and more than half (53.3%; 8,946,997 of 16,771,716; 95% CI: 50.1%, 56.6%) had either Hazardous/Harmful consumption.Men had significantly greater odds of having Hazardous/ Harmful consumption than women (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.14 [95% CI: 1.77, 2.6]).Blacks had significantly greater odds of having Hazardous/Harmful consumption than whites (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.17) despite having lower sex-specific rates of heavy drinking.The health status indicators most prevalent among Harmful drinkers were anti-hypertensive medication use, hypertension, quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, and symptoms of depression/anxiety.Conclusions: Most Americans 65 years and older drink less than the current recommended maxima for their age, yet in the context of their co-morbidities, medication use, functional status, and recent symptoms, the alcohol consumption of a substantial proportion compromises or places their health at risk.Issues of medication safety and effectiveness, chronic disease management, and prevention and wellness are critical issues for this population.
Source: Clinical Medicine & Research
Authors: N. Gordon, T. Lin
Institution: Kaiser Permanente
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2049829093