Orthopaedic trauma in men: the relative risk among drinkers and the prevalence of problem drinking in male orthopaedic admissions.
Admissions to an acute male orthopaedic ward (n = 369) were asked about their accident, their alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related problems in the past 2 years. Comparing their consumption with that of males from a community survey revealed an increased risk of orthopaedic admission in drinkers consuming 21 units of alcohol/week or over, relative to drinkers consuming less than 21 units/week, in the age group 31-50 years. In all, 34% of the sample met a criterion for problem drinking based on self-reported alcohol consumption and/or medical and social problems associated with alcohol. In 13%, alcohol was viewed by the patient as having contributed to the accident, and in 19% according to the interviewer's perception of whom 76% were classifiable as problem drinkers. Twenty-six men said the accident had made them think about changing their drinking habits. Detection of problem drinking in orthopaedic male admissions is possible and could be usefully linked to a counselling service.
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
J
J
Chick
D
D
Rund
M A
MA
Gilbert
D000059:Accidents / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D012307:Risk Factors