Basic epidemiologic research for targeted comprehensive prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in four northern American Indian communities was the focus of this project. A survey of 1536 randomly selected individuals was conducted in four northern U.S. American Indian communities, the largest survey of adult drinking behavior ever completed among American Indians. In the sample 56% were female and 44% were male. Data reveal substantial use of alcohol by some individuals within this sample. At the APHA annual meetings in 1999 and 2000 we presented data on the prevalence of drinking among this sample. The survey has also revealed encouraging data that in the 30 days preceding data collection, 42% of the males and 60% of the females were abstinent. The modal daily pattern of consumption of alcohol among the whole sample during that 30 day time frame was 0 drinks for both males and females. For this presentation we present a profile and analyses of the characteristics of abstainers (who have not had a drink in the past year). We will specifically focus on those who quit drinking and the reasons they cite for doing so. Funding provided by the NIAAA (RO1 AA09440 and RO1 AA11685) and the NIH Office for Minority Health Research.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the conference attendee will be able to: 1. Understand the prevalence of alcohol and drug use within these four northern American Indian communities. 2. Identify risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug abuse within these four communities. 3. Learn how these data will support FAS prevention efforts.
Keywords: Alcohol, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.