2 research outputs found
Assessment of alcohol problems using AUDIT in a prison setting: more than an 'aye or no' question
<br>Background: Alcohol problems are a major UK and international public health issue. The prevalence of alcohol
problems is markedly higher among prisoners than the general population. However, studies suggest alcohol
problems among prisoners are under-detected, under-recorded and under-treated. Identifying offenders with
alcohol problems is fundamental to providing high quality healthcare. This paper reports use of the AUDIT
screening tool to assess alcohol problems among prisoners.</br>
<br>Methods: Universal screening was undertaken over ten weeks with all entrants to one male Scottish prison using
the AUDIT standardised screening tool and supplementary contextual questions. The questionnaire was
administered by trained prison officers during routine admission procedures. Overall 259 anonymised completed
questionnaires were analysed.</br>
<br>Results: AUDIT scores showed a high prevalence of alcohol problems with 73% of prisoner scores indicating an
alcohol use disorder (8+), including 36% having scores indicating āpossible dependenceā (20-40).
AUDIT scores indicating āpossible dependenceā were most apparent among 18-24 and 40-64 year-olds (40% and
56% respectively). However, individual questions showed important differences, with younger drinkers less likely to
demonstrate habitual and addictive behaviours than the older age group. Disparity between high levels of
harmful/hazardous/dependent drinking and low levels of ātreatmentā emerged (only 27% of prisoners with scores
indicating āpossible dependenceā reported being āin treatmentā).
Self-reported associations between drinking alcohol and the index crime were identified among two-fifths of
respondents, rising to half of those reporting violent crimes.</br>
<br>Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify differing behaviours and needs among prisoners
with high AUDIT score ranges, through additional analysis of individual questions. The study has identified high
prevalence of alcohol use, varied problem behaviours, and links across drinking, crime and recidivism, supporting
the argument for more extensive provision of alcohol-focused interventions in prisons. These should be carefully
targeted based on initial screening and assessment, responsive, and include care pathways linking prisoners to
community services. Finally, findings confirm the value and feasibility of routine use of the AUDIT screening tool in
prison settings, to considerably enhance practice in the detection and understanding of alcohol problems,
improving on current more limited questioning (e.g. āyes or noā questions).</br>
Community care research programme 2002-2004
Includes bibliographical references. Title from coverAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:m03/21992 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo