Patterns of alcohol use 1 year after traumatic brain injury: a population-based, epidemiological study.
This study delineated patterns of alcohol use 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a large, population-based, epidemiological, nonclinical sample, and identified predictors of heavy alcohol use in these individuals. Participants were 1,606 adults identified by review of a South Carolina statewide hospital discharge data set, on the basis of satisfying the Centers for Disease Control case definition of TBI, and were interviewed by telephone 1 year after TBI-related discharge. Alcohol use in the month prior to interview was classified according to categories from the Quantity-Frequency-Variability Index; heavy drinking was defined as nearly daily use with > or = 5 drinks at least occasionally, or at least three occasions with > or = 5 drinks. A polychotomous logistic regression with 3 response levels (heavy, moderate, and abstinent/infrequent/light drinking) was used to identify predictors of heavy drinking. Heavy drinking in the month prior to interview was reported by 15.4% of participants, while 14.3% reported moderate drinking and 70.3% reported abstinence or light/infrequent drinking. Risk factors for heavy drinking included male gender, younger age, history of substance abuse prior to TBI, diagnosis of depression since TBI, fair/moderate mental health, and better physical functioning. There was no association between drinking patterns and TBI severity.
Horner
Michael David
MD
Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401-5799, USA. hornermd@musc.edu
Ferguson
Pamela L
PL
Selassie
Anbesaw W
AW
Labbate
Lawrence A
LA
Kniele
Kathryn
K
Corrigan
John D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance