title: Subjective responses to the sweat-patch test for alcohol consumption.
abstract: The sweat-patch test is a new diagnostic test to measure the amount of alcohol a person is drinking. This study monitored the subjective responses of 41 volunteers before undergoing the test, and at the conclusion of the test one week later. There were no significant differences between the pre-test responses of returnees and drop-outs. The post-test rating of the comfort of the test showed a significant increase (p less than 0.05) over the pre-test rating; no significant changes occurred in the other ratings. The subjects generally rated the test highly for its potential benefits, and liking the test even though they knew it would objectively reveal their drinking habits. There was a tendency to believe that the test might induce them to drink less alcohol than usual. Subjects were generally neutral about their desire for other people to see the sweat-collecting patches, and learn that they were taking the test.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis; D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013542:Sweat / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol