Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76509

Journal:


Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine (JSCM) (formerly Journal of the American Paraplegia Society)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 41, 2, 230-237

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the rate of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among recently injured individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), compared these rates to data from the general population, and identified changes in alcohol use over time. Self-reported assessments were completed during inpatient rehabilitation and at follow-up approximately 17 months later. Five hundred sixty-six inpatients completed the baseline measure. After eliminating those under age 18, there were 524 participants at baseline. Of the 410 participants approached for follow-up, 201 of those responded. The two primary outcomes were the number of days consuming 5 or more drinks (binge drinking) and the number of days consuming any alcoholic beverages within the 30 days prior to the assessment. Comparison data for the general population were taken from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. At SCI onset, the prevalence of alcohol use, particularly binge drinking, was substantially higher than the general population (SCI = 44.9 percent; general population = 13 percent). Alcohol consumption dropped from pre-to post injury. Compared to 69.7 percent at baseline, 51.2 percent reported having at least one drink in the past 30 days of follow-up. There was also a dramatic decrease in binge drinking from 42.9 percent at SCI onset to 17.4 percent at follow-up. The study shows that alcohol use and binge drinking in people with SCI are elevated over the general population at the time of injury. Drinking patterns reflect a decrease following injury but remain slightly elevated, signifying a need for interventions to minimize long-term health consequences.

Author(s):


Davis, Janice F., Cao, Yue, Krause, James S.

Participating Centers: