Alcohol consumption in late-life - The first Brazilian National Alcohol Survey (BNAS)

E. Castro-Costa, C. P. Ferri, M. F. Lima-Costa, M. Zaleski, I. Pinsky, R. Caetano, R. Laranjeira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To investigate the alcohol consumption in later life in Brazil and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data. A multistage cluster sampling procedure was used to select 3007 individuals of 14 years of age and older from the Brazilian household population. In this study we analyzed data from all 400 participants who were over 60 years old. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Syndrome was established according to DSM-IV and Risky Drinking was defined in two ways: heavy drinkers (> 7 drinks/week) and as binge drinkers (> 3 drinks/one occasion). Twelve percent of participants reported heavy drinking behavior while 10.4% and 2.9% were binge drinkers and alcohol dependent respectively. In the adjusted logistic regression only gender was associated with heavy drinking behavior. Males, the youngest and the wealthiest were more likely to report binge drinking behaviors. In conclusion, alcohol related-problems are common but underecognized among older adults. Health professionals should be aware that common definitions of alcohol abuse and dependence may not apply as readily to older people, who have had biological changes for alcohol tolerance and its effects on the Central Nervous System.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1598-1601
Number of pages4
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume33
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Elderly
  • Prevalence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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