Assessing Heavy Episodic Drinking: A Random Survey of 18 to 34-Year-Olds in Four Cities in Four Different Continents

Background: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) can have health and social consequences. This study assesses the associations between HED and demographic, socioeconomic, motivation and effects indicators for people aged 18–34 years old living in four cities in different regions of the world. Method: Multistage random sampling was consistent across the four cities (Ilorin (Nigeria), Wuhan (China), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Moscow (Russia)). The questionnaire was forward/back translated and face-to-face interviewing was undertaken. A total of 6235 interviews were undertaken in 2014. Separate univariable and multivariable modelling was undertaken to determine the best predictors of HED. Results: HED prevalence was 9.0%. The best predictors differed for each city. The higher probability of HED in the final models included beliefs that they have reached adulthood, feeling relaxed as an effect of drinking alcohol, and forgetting problems as an effect of drinking alcohol. Lower probability of HED was associated with not being interested in alcohol as a reason for limiting alcohol, and the belief that drinking alcohol is too expensive or a waste of money. Conclusion: Although some indicators were common across the four cities, the variables included in the final models predominantly differed from city to city. The need for country-specific prevention and early intervention programs are warranted

Context and culture associated with alcohol use amongst youth in major urban cities: A cross-country population based survey

Background: Alcohol consumption patterns are dependent upon culture and context. The aim of this study was to interview people aged 18–34 year old living in four cities in different regions of the world to explore differences in a range of alcohol measures to assist in determining culturally appropriate alcohol initiatives for this age group. Method: Multistage random sampling was consistent across the four cities (Ilorin (Nigeria), Wuhan (China), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Moscow (Russia)). The questionnaire was forward and back translated into relevant languages and face-to-face interviewing undertaken. The data were weighted to the population of each city. Uni-variable analysis (ever consumed, first time consumed, age when drunk for first time, number of days consumed, type consumed) and logistic regression modeling were undertaken. The final model for each city was adjusted for age, sex, marital status, highest education and employment status. In total 6235 interviews were undertaken (1391 in Ilorin, 1600 in Montevideo, 1604 in Moscow and 1640 in Wuhan). Results: Alcohol was consumed by 96.4% in Montevideo, 86.1% in Moscow, 53.4% in Wuhan and 33.3% in Ilorin. There was very little difference by gender except Ilorin males were more likely to consume alcohol than females. Alcohol was consumed on more days for Ilorin males; Wuhan females consumed alcohol on the least number of days; Ilorin had the most abstainers; Montevideo and Moscow the highest proportion of light drinkers; Ilorin and Montevideo the highest proportion of heavy drinkers. Differences by type of alcohol were also apparent. The final logistic regression model provided different models including higher alcohol consumption rates for males, 25–34 years of age, divorced/separated marital status and employed part time for Ilorin respondents; males and higher educated for Montevideo; males, 25 to 29 years of age and higher educated for Moscow; and 25–29 years of age, non-married and vocationally trained for those in Wuhan. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption in these four cities does not increase with age as found in most high income countries. The alcohol consumption patterns during this stage of the life cycle are important to assess so that high level, as well as country-specific, planning and interventions can be implemented

Factores de riesgo de trastornos conductuales y emocionales en la niñez: estudio comunitario en el Uruguay

Objetivos. Explorar algunos de los factores de riesgo demográficos que se asocian con la presencia de problemas conductuales o emocionales en los niños, y examinar la posibilidad de una relación entre el estrés psicológico en los padres y trastornos psicológicos en los hijos. Materiales y métodos. En el presente estudio la presencia de estrés psicológico en los padres y ciertas características psicosociales que aumentan el riesgo de sufrir trastornos mentales en la niñez fueron examinados en una muestra de niños uruguayos de dos comunidades urbanas y una rural. La investigación, que se llevó a cabo en Ciudad Vieja y Barrio Sur, en Montevideo, y en el pueblo de Colonia de Sacramento, abarcó a 115 niños entre las edades de 5 y 15 años. Las madres contestaron por sus hijos el Cuestionario de Morbilidad Psiquiátrica Infantil (QMPI), instrumento para la detección de problemas conductuales que podrían ser indicio de trastornos emocionales en los niños. Adicionalmente, ambos padres proporcionaron la información demográfica solicitada en la Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Interview Demoralization Scale (PERI-D) [Escala de Desmoralización para la Investigación Epidemiológica en Psiquiatría]; contestaron el cuestionario CAGE5 para el tamizaje del alcoholismo; se sometieron al Social Support Network Inventory [Inventario de la Red de Apoyo Social], y respondieron preguntas sobre su propio estado de salud mental. Resultados. Cincuenta y tres por ciento de los niños tuvieron puntajes mayores de 6 en el QMPI, resultado que señala la presencia de problemas conductuales o emocionales. La autopercepción de un trastorno emocional y de desmoralización en las madres mostró una asociación significativa con un mayor riesgo de problemas conductuales o emocionales en los hijos. Discusión. A juzgar por nuestros resultados, la salud mental del niño es un problema social y sanitario cuya epidemiología debe explorarse más a fondo en el Uruguay

Ever consumed alcohol (by gender) by city/country.

<p>Ever consumed alcohol (by gender) by city/country.</p

Heavy episodic drinking (HED) (five or more drinks) for three levels of frequency of heavy drinking (at least once a week, at least twice a month at least once a month) and city/country.

<p>Heavy episodic drinking (HED) (five or more drinks) for three levels of frequency of heavy drinking (at least once a week, at least twice a month at least once a month) and city/country.</p

QF- Four drinking status group (abstainers, light drinker, moderate drinker, and heavier drinker) by city/country.

<p>QF- Four drinking status group (abstainers, light drinker, moderate drinker, and heavier drinker) by city/country.</p

Descriptive statistics of age (in years) started drinking, age (in years) when first got drunk, and mean number of drinks consumed by gender and city/country.

<p>Descriptive statistics of age (in years) started drinking, age (in years) when first got drunk, and mean number of drinks consumed by gender and city/country.</p

Average alcohol intake, in grams per day, by city.

<p>Average alcohol intake, in grams per day, by city.</p

Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for current drinkers by city/country^a.

<p>Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for current drinkers by city/country<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0187812#t006fn001" target="_blank">^a</a>.</p