Alcohol consumption among Alaskan drug users.
This study investigated predictors of alcohol consumption among drug users not currently in treatment in Anchorage, Alaska. Data were collected from 114 female and 269 male drug users via structured interviews. Alcohol consumption was defined as estimated number of drinks consumed in the last 30 days. Results revealed a high proportion consuming alcohol within the last 48 hours and 30 days (73% and 96%, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression revealed that five variables, accounting for 9% of the variance, were significantly related to alcohol consumption. Positively related were greater perceived risk of getting AIDS; obtaining income from spouse, family, or friend; living on the streets or in a shelter; or living in a hotel or boarding house. Negatively related was having an education level greater than high school. For those participants who reported having sex during the last 30 days, two variables were positively related to alcohol consumption and accounted for 17% of the variance: number of times used alcohol with sex and frequency of sex without a condom. In addition to identifying several demographic variables that are significantly related to alcohol consumption, the results document the relationship between alcohol consumption and unsafe sexual practices.
Turner
S J
SJ
University of Alaska Anchorage, USA.
Paschane
D M
DM
Johnson
M E
ME
Fisher
D G
DG
Fenaughty
A M
AM
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*