The Alcohol-Related Problems Survey (ARPS) and its short version, the shARPS, are new self-report instruments identifying older persons whose use of alcohol alone or with their co-morbidities and medication use may be placing them at risk for or causing them harm. We compared these measures with a criterion standard (CS) for harmful, hazardous and nonhazardous drinking in a sample of older persons and also compared the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version (SMAST-G) to our CS.
The CS assessed subjects’ risks from alcohol use and consisted of a medical record review, clinical interview; and informant interview. Drinkers >60 years of age completed the ARPS, shARPS, the AUDIT and the CS (n=166): a sub-sample (n=50) also completed the SMAST-G. A study physician reviewed the CS to designate subjects as harmful (n=44), hazardous (n=42) or nonhazardous (n=80) drinkers.
As compared to the CS, the sensitivity and specificity of the AUDIT was 29% and 100% and the SMAST-G was and 52% and 93%. We dichotomized drinkers and the CS as harmful/ hazardous or nonhazardous and calculated sensitivity and specificity of the ARPS (93% and 62%) and shARPS (92% and 52%). Few harmful and hazardous drinkers reported symptoms of alcohol abuse and dependence.
As compared to the AUDIT and the SMAST-G, the ARPS and shARPS identify a broader group of older persons whose use of alcohol may be harmful or hazardous.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Use two measures to evaluate older persons regarding their risks associated with alcohol use. 2. Identify specific types of problems common to older persons who drink alcohol (e.g., hypertension, falls, worsening of depression).
Keywords: Aging, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.