Rao, R and Wolff, K and Marshall, EJ (2008) Alcohol use and misuse in older people: a local prevalence study comparing English and Irish inner-city residents living in the UK. Journal of Substance Use, 13, (1), pp. 17-26. DOI: 10.1080/14659890701639824.
Background: Alcohol consumption was assessed in English and Irish men and women aged 65 and over, living in an inner-city area of London, UK.
Method: Participants were assessed using Quantity/Frequency measures of alcohol use and validated questionnaires (SMAST-G, 10-item AUDIT, SF-36).
Results: Sixty subjects with a mean (SD) age of 77.5 (1.2) years were recruited. English subjects showed greater changes between lifetime and last year drinking patterns (chi-square = 18.9, d.f. = 4, p = 0.001). Irish subjects had a significantly higher mean AUDIT score (2.8 vs. 1.0; Mann-Whitney U = 225, Z = -3.5, p<0.0001) and were significantly more likely (14/30 vs. 3/30) to have a family psychiatric history (chi-square = 10.6, d.f. = 1, p = 0.001). Irish subjects were more likely to drink at least once a week, showed a higher mean alcohol intake (6.4 vs. 2.4 g) over the previous year and were more likely to show binge drinking (8/30 vs. 1/30) and drinking above sensible limits (8/30 vs. 1/30). None of these latter observations retained their significance after statistical correction.
Conclusions: The main implication of the study is that closer attention is required in screening for alcohol use in older Irish men in the UK.
MA-ML Social science, culture and community > Risk by type of society and culture > Urban society
T Demographic characteristics > Elderly / Older person
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
VA Geographic area > Europe > United Kingdom > England
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