To describe differences between older at-risk drinkers, as determined using the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool, who reduced drinking and those who did not after an initial intervention and to determine factors associated with early reductions in drinking.
Thirty-nine percent of the sample had reduced drinking within 2 weeks of receiving the initial intervention. According to the final multiple logistic regression model, those who were concerned about alcohol-related risks , read through the educational booklet , or perceived that their physicians discussed risks and advised changing drinking behaviors had greater odds of reducing drinking by the first health educator call.
Concern about risks, reading educational material, and perception of physicians providing advice to reduce drinking were associated with early reductions in alcohol use in older at-risk drinkers. Understanding these factors will enable development of better intervention strategies to reduce unhealthy alcohol use.
Request Reprint E-Mail: jlin1207@ucla.edu
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