Association of self-reported injury and alcohol consumption in medical outpatients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the association between minor injury and level of alcohol consumption among adult outpatients. DESIGN: Self-administered survey of alcohol use and level of injury in prior month. SETTING: Adult outpatients attending a university-based general internal medicine private practice. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: During a four-month period, 1,011 patients aged 18-65 years were asked to complete questionnaires while waiting to see a physician. The 791 who completed all forms appropriately are included in this study. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The total number of drinks and the total number of injuries reported during the preceding month were calculated. Nondrinkers reported an average of 0.51 (SD = 1.18) injuries in the prior month; and drinkers, 0.92 (SD = 1.70) injuries. Minor injuries were reported more frequently by heavier alcohol consumers only among younger patients (RR = 1.88). There was no association between reported injury and alcohol consumption among patients over 50 years of age (RR = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Minor injury is associated with heavier alcohol consumption in younger patients attending a general medical practice, but not among older patients. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between alcohol drinking and minor injury.