The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67464

Patrick C. Cullinane, MS, Primary Investigator and Director, Special Projects, American Society on Aging, 833 Market Street Suite 511, San Francisco, CA 94103, (415) 974-9642, patrickc@asaging.org

The American Society on Aging’s Staying Healthy Project has tested an alcohol prevention brief intervention in a randomized controlled trial to reduce negative health consequences for at-risk older drinkers for the first time in traditional aging network settings (senior centers, housing, nutrition sites, and adult day care). Brief interventions include assessment of the condition, direct feedback, contracting and goal-setting, behavioral modification techniques and the use of written materials such as self-help manuals. Health survey screens of 4,362 women and men age 60 and over collected data on alcohol use and other health behaviors in English (3,575 participants), Chinese (539 participants), Spanish (126 participants) and Russian (122 participants) at 118 sites in 11 California counties. Screening identified 198 at-risk drinkers who were randomly assigned to the brief intervention (experimental) or control group. Phone follow-up was conducted at 6 months to assess post-randomization level of drinking. Final data analysis will be completed in May 2003. The study addressed the prevention value of early intervention in a population that, due to decreased alcohol tolerance, increasing morbidities and medication use, has a significantly increased risk of negative health consequences with the inappropriate use of alcohol. This session will discuss at-risk use of alcohol by older adults and the facts and fiction of “healthy drinking.” The receptivity of the aging network to screening and intervening will be addressed. The identification and training of 111 social service providers as intervenors will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of prevention and early intervention with respect to alcohol use in an older population.
• Learn the distinction between at-risk, “healthy,” and appropriate use of alcohol by older adults.
• Obtain new strategies and tools to engage the aging network in alcohol prevention efforts.

Keywords: Aging, Alcohol Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant from U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)