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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Craig Field, PhD, MPH¹, Raul Caetano, MD, PhD², Elizabeth Childers³, and Cara J. Hamann³. (1) Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, (2) Dallas Regional Campus, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, (3) University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, 214-648-4299, cara.hamann@utsouthwestern.edu

Background: The association of alcohol use and risk of injury is well established but factors associated with involvement in prior treatment among this patient population are less well understood. The current study examines the association of substance use disorders and prior alcohol related injuries with prior AA involvement among patients with an alcohol related injury. Methods: During a two year period, 1499 trauma patients including 699 Whites, 291 Blacks and 539 Hispanics with an alcohol related injury were identified. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with prior AA involvement (the most common type of alcohol treatment sought in the sample). Risk factors of interest included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, alcohol volume per week, frequency of heavy drinking, prior alcohol related injury, alcohol abuse or dependence and drug use or dependence. Results: Among patients with exposure to alcohol treatment (n=590) the most common form of help sought was through AA (80%). After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics including age, gender, education and race/ethnicity and alcohol consumption (i.e., volume per week and frequency of heavy drinking), patients with drug dependence (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.4-2.5) but not drug use or alcohol abuse or dependence were more likely to have prior involvement with AA. In addition, those with a prior alcohol related injury (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.1-1.9) and alcohol problems (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.004-1.03) were more likely to report prior involvement with AA. Conclusions: Alcohol problems, prior alcohol related injury and drug dependence appear to be associated with prior involvement in AA.

Learning Objectives:

• List factors associated with prior AA involvement among patients presenting for treatment of an alcohol related injury
• Define ethnic differences in AA involvment among patients with an alcohol related injury
• Discuss factors which would facilitate involvement in AA for injured patients with alcohol problems

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Injuries

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No