title: Risk Factors for Self-reported Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Illicit Drugs Among Older Adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite the increasing number of older adults who have a history of substance use, little research has been done on alcohol- and drug-related driving safety among older drivers. This study (a) examined risk factors for older adults' driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) and (b) discerned differences between those aged 50-64 and those aged 65+.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data came from the public use files of the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health for respondents aged 50+ (N = 29,634). Descriptive statistics were used to present sample characteristics by past year substance use and self-reported DUI status for age groups 50-64 and 65+. Age group separate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for DUI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of past-year substance users in the 50-64 and the 65+ age groups, 14.54% and 6.19%, respectively, self-reported DUI. Higher frequency alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, and major depressive episode significantly increased the odds of DUI in both age groups. Lifetime arrest history was a predictor in the 65+ age group only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research is needed to improve identification of older drivers at high risk of DUI. Driving safety assessments for older adults can incorporate screening for substance abuse and comorbid mental conditions to identify those at high DUI risk. Older adults who engage in risky substance use should be directed to appropriate services that address substance use and mental health problems concurrently.
authors: School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin. nchoi@austin.utexas.edu.
authors: Namkee G
authors: NG
authors: Choi
authors: School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin.
authors: Diana M
authors: DM
authors: DiNitto
authors: Division of Statistics and Scientific Computation, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin.
authors: C Nathan
authors: CN
authors: Marti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D000066448:Driving Under the Influence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D057566:Self Report; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs
keywords: Alcohol expectancy; Driving under the influence; Psychosocial vulnerability; Substance abuse