Alcohol Abuse/Dependence in Motor Vehicle Crash Victims Presenting to the Emergency Department

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Abstract
Objective: 1) To determine the prevalence of current alcohol abuse/alcohol dependence (AA/AD) among the full injury range of ED motor vehicle crash (MVC) patients; and 2) compare AA/AD and non‐AA/AD patient characteristics. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study using a stratified random sample of MVC patients aged ≥18 years presenting to a university hospital and university‐affiliated community hospital ED from May 1, 1992, to August 30, 1994. A diagnosis of current AA/AD was based on the alcohol section of the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS). Other measurements included the presence of blood alcohol (BAC +), Injury Severity Score (ISS‐85), occupant status (driver/passenger), age, gender, seat belt use, culpability for crash, and ED disposition (admitted vs released). A weighted prevalence was determined; subgroups were compared using t‐tests, χ2. 2‐factor analysis, and logistic regression modeling; α = 0.05. Results: 1,161 patients were studied. The weighted prevalence of current AA/AD was 22.5%; 53% of these patients were released from the ED. Almost 45% of the patients with current AA/AD were BAC —. When controlling for BAC and AA/AD, greater injury severity and culpability were associated with a BAC +, but not with current AA/AD. Conclusion: Almost 23% of ED MVC patients have current AA/AD; BAC testing does not accurately identify these patients. Intervention strategies must be directed to both admitted and released patients.

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