A review of the impacts of health and health behaviors on women's alcohol use.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize longitudinal research regarding physical health and health behaviors on women's subsequent alcohol use.


METHODS
Medline/PsycINFO databases were searched; from over 5000 articles, 29 met inclusion criteria.


RESULTS
Prior consumption and substance use are strong predictors of later consumption. Prior consumption was also reported to moderate the relationship between other health/health behaviors variables and consumption. Perception of one's health status may be important in modifying consumption patterns among some subgroups.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine alcohol screening may help identify women at risk of developing harmful alcohol use. Mechanisms to reduce alcohol access among young women should be supported.
Clemens
Susan L
SL
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. susanclemens@mcri.edu.au
Grant
Belinda M
BM
Matthews
Sharon L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult