Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of problem drinking and risky driving in the emergency department (ED) population. Background: The ED population is known to be vulnerable to a host of physiological, psychological, and social disorders. Although it remains controversial and perhaps paradoxical, the concept of providing prevention services in the ED setting is increasingly supported. The rationale for expanding prevention services is that EDs are widely accepted to be the safety net for patients without other access to health care, and may be the only source of prevention services for a highly vulnerable population. Methods: The setting was an urban ED in a Level I Trauma Center with 85,000 patient visits per year. Non-alcohol dependent adults 18-45 were eligible for enrollment. Screening occurred 2-3 days a week from 8 AM to 2 AM in the ED. Of 2,191 subjects screened, the mean age was 40.9 years, 52% were male and 48% female, and 57% were Black and 39% were White. Mean standard drinks (SD) on a typical day for problem drinkers was 6.27. Mean highest number of SD on a single occasion was 8.78. In risky drivers, mean number of times subjects drove 20+ miles over the speed limit/month was 5.74, and the mean number of times subjects ran a red light/month was 6.98. 56.7% of subjects always used their seat belt while driving, 11.7% wore them most of the time, 14.2% wore them some of the time, and 17.3% never wore them. Approximately 20% of ED patients who were screened were risky drivers and 10% were problem drinkers. Safety belt compliance was well below the national average. Implications: There is a significant need in the ED to offer interventions to prevent problem drinking and risky driving.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, R49/CCR-523225
Session #1300 - Alcohol & Tobacco Use: Focus on Special Populations
The 30th Annual MNRS Research Conference