Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Screening For High-Risk Alcohol Use On Campus - A Translational Research Project, Janette Neuman

Janette S. Jones

High-risk alcohol use occurs on college campuses across the United States. A 2008 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey performed on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in northeast Indiana, found an annual prevalence rate of alcohol consumption by students of 82.3%. A commitment to reduce high-risk alcohol use by IPFW students is supported by IPFW leadership in congruence with Healthy Campus objectives. A translational research project using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was implemented at IPFW’s nurse-managed health and wellness clinic in order to increase student awareness of high-risk drinking behaviors, administer risk-reducing interventions, and …

Increased Number Of Circulating Exosomes And Their Microrna Cargos Are Potential Novel Biomarkers In Alcoholic Hepatitis, Fatemeh Momen-Heravi, Banishree Saha, Karen Kodys, Donna Catalano, Abhishek Satishchandran, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that alcohol and its metabolites induce injury and inflammation in the liver. However, there is no potential biomarker to monitor the extent of liver injury in alcoholic hepatitis patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are involved in various physiologic and pathologic processes. In the circulation, a great proportion of miRNAs is associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes. Here, we hypothesized that the exosome-associated miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers in alcoholic hepatitis (AH).

METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from sera of alcohol-fed mice or pair-fed mice, and plasma of alcoholic hepatitis …

Shades Of Grey: The Need For A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Research Investigating Alcohol And Ageing, Celia Wilkinson, Julie Dare

Julie Dare Dr

This paper calls for an increase in multi-disciplinary research on the issue of alcohol and ageing, to ensure public health interventions reflect the complex and diverse needs of older drinkers. Older people (65+ years) represent a unique segment of the population; compared to adolescents and younger people, they are more likely to have a range of co-morbid conditions and be taking prescribed medication, and are more physiologically vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. This suggests that from a public health perspective, alcohol use by older people is problematic. However, as with younger people, alcohol use is closely associated with socialisation …

Social Engagement, Setting And Alcohol Use Among A Sample Of Older Australians, Julie Dare, Celia Wilkinson, Steve Allsop, Stacey Waters, Sheila Mchale

Julie Dare Dr

The harms associated with risky alcohol consumption have long been researched and recognised in the health field. However, little available research has focused on older people, or extended analysis of alcohol use by this segment of the population beyond a bio-medical perspective. With the rapid ageing of the global population, research that investigates alcohol use amongst older people from a social perspective is important. This article reports on research with a group of older women and men, to identify and explain factors that influence alcohol consumption. In-depth interviews were conducted in Perth, Western Australia with 20 men and 22 women …

Verbal Learning And Memory In Adolescent Cannabis Users, Alcohol Users And Non-Users, Nadia Solowij, Katy A. Jones, Megan E. Rozman, Sasha M. Davis, Joseph Ciarrochi, Patrick C. L Heaven, Dan I. Lubman, Murat Yucel

joseph Ciarrochi

Rationale Long-term heavy cannabis use can result in memory impairment. Adolescent users may be especially vulnerable to the adverse neurocognitive effects of cannabis. Objectives and methods In a cross-sectional and prospective neuropsychological study of 181 adolescents aged 16–20 (mean 18.3 years), we compared performance indices from one of the most widely used measures of learning and memory—the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test—between cannabis users (n=52; mean 2.4 years of use, 14 days/month, median abstinence 20.3 h), alcohol users (n=67) and non-user controls (n=62) matched for age, education and premorbid intellectual ability (assessed prospectively), and alcohol consumption for cannabis and alcohol …

Reflection Impulsivity In Adolescent Cannabis Users: A Comparison With Alcohol-Using And Non-Substance-Using Adolescents, Nadia Solowij, Katy A. Jones, Megan E. Rozman, Sasha M. Davis, Joseph Ciarrochi, Patrick C. L Heaven, Nicole Pesa, Dan I. Lubman, Murat Yucel

joseph Ciarrochi

Rationale Reflection impulsivity-a failure to gather and evaluate information before making a decision-is a critical component of risk-taking and substance use behaviours, which are highly prevalent during adolescence. Objectives and methods The Information Sampling Test was used to assess reflection impulsivity in 175 adolescents (mean age 18.3, range 16.5-20; 55% female)-48 cannabis users (2.3 years use, 10.8 days/month), 65 alcohol users, and 62 non-substance-using controls-recruited from a longitudinal cohort and from the general community and matched for education and IQ. Cannabis and alcohol users were matched on levels of alcohol consumption. Results Cannabis users sampled to the lowest degree of …

Intravenous 0.9% Sodium Chloride Therapy Does Not Reduce Length Of Stay Of Alcohol-Intoxicated Patients In The Emergency Department: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Siegfried Perez, Gerben Keijzers, Michael Steele, Josh Byrnes, Paul A. Scuffham

Gerben Keijzers

Background: I.v. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is frequently used to treat ED patients with acute alcohol intoxication despite the lack of evidence for its efficacy. Objective: The study aims to compare treatment with i.v. normal saline and observation with observation alone in ED patients with acute alcohol intoxication. Methods: Asingle-blind, randomised, controlled trial was conducted to compare a single bolus of 20 mL/kg i.v. normal saline plus observation with observation alone. One hundred and forty-four ED patients with uncomplicated acute alcohol intoxication were included. The study was conducted in one tertiary and one urban ED in Queensland, Australia. Primary …

An Overview Of Alcohol Testing And Interpretation In The 21st Century, Anna Kelly, Ashraf Mozayani

Ashraf Mozayani, Ph.D., PharmD

Ethanol analysis is the most commonly carried out drug testing in a forensic toxicology laboratory. Determination of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is needed in a multitude of situations, including in postmortem analysis, driving under the influence (DUI) and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases, workplace drug monitoring, and probation investigations. These analyses are carried out by direct measurement of ethanol concentrations as well as of metabolic by-products, such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS). This review article will discuss pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, and elimination of ethanol, methods for the detection of ethanol, the effect of ethanol on human …

Predicting Dropout In The First 3 Months Of 12-Step Residential Drug And Alcohol Treatment In An Australian Sample, Frank P. Deane, David J. Wootton, Ching-I Hsu, Peter J. Kelly

Peter Kelly

Objective: Premature termination from treatment is a major factor associated with poorer drug and alcohol treatment outcomes. The present study investigated client-related baseline predictors of dropout at 3 months from a faith-based 12-step residential drug treatment program. Method: Data were collected over a period of 14 months from eight residential drug and alcohol treatment programs run by The Australian Salvation Army. The final sample consisted of 618 participants, including 524 men (84.8%) and 94 women (15.2%). Predictor variables of interest were age, gender, primary drug of concern, criminal involvement, psychological distress, drug cravings, self-efficacy to abstain, spirituality, forgiveness of self …

Clinically Signficant Change To Establish Benchmarks In Residential Drug And Alcohol Treatment Services, Daniel Billingham, Peter Kelly, Frank Deane, Trevor Crowe, Mark Buckingham, Fiona Craig

Peter Kelly

There is increasing emphasis on the use routine outcome assessment measures to inform quality assurance initiatives. The calculation of reliable and clinically significant change indices is one strategy that organizations could use to develop both internal and externally focused benchmarking processes. The current study aimed to develop reliable and clinically significant change indices for a range of commonly used outcome measures in the substance abuse field. Participants were attending Kedesh Rehabilitation Services, an Australian residential substance abuse service that also accepts people with co-occurring mental health problems (n0595). A range of mental health and substance use measures were administered to …

A Hangover And A One-Night Stand: Alcohol And Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Female Students At An Australian University, Heidi Gilchrist, Kylie Smith, Christopher A. Magee, Sandra Jones

Sandra Jones

There is a growing body of research in Australia exploring the alcohol consumption behaviours of young people and the attendant health and social risks associated with excessive use of alcohol (Chikritzhs et al. 2003; Mancina-Pena & Tyson 2007). A number of studies from countries such as the United States and New Zealand indicate that university students tend to drink at riskier levels than the broader population (see for example Wechsler et al. 1994; Kypri, Stephenson & Langley 2005; Wechsler & Nelson 2008). Data from Australia are limited, although the few studies that have been conducted suggest that Australian university students …

A Pilot Study Investigating Of The Nature Of Point-Of-Sale Alcohol Promotions In Bottle Shops In A Large Australian Regional City, Sandra C. Jones, Melissa Lynch

Sandra Jones

Objective: The promotion of alcohol by retailers and media can contribute to a culture of excessive alcohol consumption, but the effect of non-advertising alcohol promotions has largely been neglected. This study sought to gather initial data on this important area.Method: An observational study of alcohol point-of-sale promotions in the Wollongong CBD area, conducted in July-August 2005.Results: We identified 17 different promotions in three categories: gift with purchase; competitions; and buy some, get some free.Conclusions: Given previous research demonstrating the relationship between increased alcohol consumption and both ownership of alcohol-related merchandise and reduced per unit price, it appears that point-of-sale promotions …

Exposure To Alcohol Advertising And Alcohol Consumption Among Australian Adolescents, Sandra C. Jones, Christopher A. Magee

Sandra Jones

Aims: Underage drinking is a major problem in Australia and may be influenced by exposure to alcohol advertising. The objective of the present study was to collect data on 12 17 year old Australian adolescents' exposure to different types of alcohol advertising and examine the association between exposure to advertising and alcohol consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1113 adolescents aged 12 17 years recruited with a variety of methods to gain a cross-section of participants across metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales (including independent schools, mall intercepts and online). Participants answered a series of questions assessing adolescents' exposure …

Non-Advertising Alcohol Promotions In Licensed Premises: Does The Code Of Practice Ensure Responsible Promotion Of Alcohol?, Sandra C. Jones, Melissa Lynch

Sandra Jones

Introduction and Aims. Binge drinking is a major public health issue in Australia, particularly among young people. There has been a considerable focus on alcohol advertising, among both researchers and policy makers, resulting in efforts to bring about some level of regulation of unacceptable advertising practices. However - despite the existence of a Code of Practice for Responsible Promotion of Liquor Products which provides 'a framework of practices which are considered acceptable and reasonable' for licensed premises - there are few, if any, data on the nature and extent of promotions which could arguably fall under either 'acceptable' or 'unacceptable' …

Gender Disparities: A Medical Detoxification Program, Alberto Coustasse, Karan P. Singh, Sue G. Lurie, Yu-Sheng Lin, Claudia S. Coggin, Fernando Trevino

Alberto Coustasse, DrPH, MD, MBA, MPH

Significant gaps exist in health care regarding gender in the United States. Health status, social roles, culturally patterned behavior and access to health care can be influenced by gender. Women have been the primary users of health care and minority women usually have received poorer quality care than Non-Hispanic White (NHW) females. The objectives of this study were to identify gender, racial and ethnic disparities in access to substance abuse treatment in a Texas hospital. Secondary data collected on 1,309 subjects who underwent detoxification were studied. Gender, race/ethnicity, drug of abuse, relapse and financial classification were included in the analysis. …

Predicting Dropout In The First 3 Months Of 12-Step Residential Drug And Alcohol Treatment In An Australian Sample, Frank P. Deane, David J. Wootton, Ching-I Hsu, Peter J. Kelly

Frank Deane

Objective: Premature termination from treatment is a major factor associated with poorer drug and alcohol treatment outcomes. The present study investigated client-related baseline predictors of dropout at 3 months from a faith-based 12-step residential drug treatment program. Method: Data were collected over a period of 14 months from eight residential drug and alcohol treatment programs run by The Australian Salvation Army. The final sample consisted of 618 participants, including 524 men (84.8%) and 94 women (15.2%). Predictor variables of interest were age, gender, primary drug of concern, criminal involvement, psychological distress, drug cravings, self-efficacy to abstain, spirituality, forgiveness of self …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Trevor Crowe

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Lesson Of The Week: Alcohol Hand Rubs - Hygiene And Hazard, J.R.H Archer, David M. Wood, Zoe Tizzard, Alison L. Jones, Paul I. Dargan

Alison L Jones

Hospital acquired infections are common and increase morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. The benefit of hand washing has been highlighted, and studies have shown that alcohol hand rub is significantly better than soap in reducing hand contamination. In 2004, NHS trusts were advised to introduce “near patient” alcohol based hand rubs (for example, attached beds and at entrances to wards) by April 2005. With the widespread introduction of these hand rubs, risk assessments were made for the possibility of fire and ingestion. Although alcohol hand rub is flammable, no incidents involving fire have occurred. The risk of ingestion was …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Frank Deane

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Predictors Of Burnout Amongst Australian Drug And Alcohol Workers, M Dimartino, Peter Kelly, Frank Deane

Peter Kelly

No abstract provided.

Exploring Spiritual Growth And Forgiveness In Drug And Alcohol Recovery, Geoffrey Lyons, Frank Deane, Peter Kelly

Peter Kelly

No abstract provided.

Staff Attitudes Towards Evidence Based Practice In A Residential Drug And Alcohol Rehabilitation Service, M Lovett, Peter Kelly, Frank Deane, Trevor Crowe

Peter Kelly

No abstract provided.

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Peter Kelly

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

An Evaluation Handbook For Health Education Programs In Alcohol And Substance Abuse, Walter Gunn, D Orenstein, Donald Iverson, P Mullen

Don C. Iverson

This handbook provides assessment tools for systematic evaluation of health education programs in the field of alcohol and substance abuse. Key fundamentals of systematic evaluation as applied to health education programs are reviewed. Explanations of the handbook's measures, their relationships, rationale, and procedures are given. Included are guidelines for using the measures with practical suggestions for their selection, administration, and scoring. The behavior, knowledge, skill, and affective outcome upon which the handbook is based are discussed. Newly developed measures not yet verified, with their test specifications, as well as existing measures are given. A nine-page annotated bibliography on evaluation methods …

What Advice Do Older Adults Receive About Alcohol Consumption?, Sandra Jones, Don Iverson, Peter Caputi

Don C. Iverson

Alcohol risks for older people transpose into considerable alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. The 2009 NHMRC Australian Drinking Guidelines recommend ‘Older people . . . consult with their health professionals about the most appropriate level of drinking for their health’ [1]. This study aimed to examine the extent to which older adults engage in, and are prepared to engage in, these conversations with health professionals.

Children At Risk For Suicide Attempt And Attempt-Related Injuries: Findings From The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Bethany A. West, Monica H. Swahn, Frances Mccarty

Monica H. Swahn

Purpose: The current study examines the associations between a range of risk factors and reports of suicide attempts and attempts requiring medical care in a nationally representative study of high school students. The goal is to examine sex differences in the risk factors associated with suicide attempts and attempt-related injuries requiring treatment by a health-care provider.

Methods: We used data from the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for students in grades 9-12 to assess the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behavior, as well as differences in these for boys and girls. Cross-sectional multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed to …

Stop The Tears Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse, Jane Shimon, Terry-Ann Gibson, Caile Spear

Jane Shimon

By participating in this Stop the Tears teaching strategy, students will be able to: (1) analyze how alcohol and drug abuse could affect their lives as well as the lives of their friends and family and, (2) create a media message, such as a poster, pamphlet, poem, or song, in which alcohol and drug prevention is advocated specific to how alcohol and drug abuse has affected students in their school. Target audiences are students in grades 6-12 and lower-division college students.

Alcohol Energy Drinks: Is It Time For The Alcohol Industry To Demonstrate Some Corporate Social Responsibility?, Sandra Jones

Sandra Jones

There is increasing evidence of association between AEDs and both increased alcohol consumption and increased alcohol-related harm. Australia lags behind other countries in researching and regulating (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) energy drinks. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 12-17 year olds in a capital city, regional city and rural city in NSW, Australia. AEDs were popular among teenagers in urban, regional and rural areas of NSW. Adolescents liked AEDs because they provide increased energy while allowing them to feel the effects of alcohol, and because of their similarity to non-alcohol energy drinks and soft drinks. Given the industry’s stated position on …

Point-Of-Sale Alcohol Promotions In The Perth And Sydney Metropolitan Areas, Sandra C. Jones, Lance R. Barrie

Sandra Jones

There is considerable evidence that reducing the price of alcohol increases the amount consumed, particularly among young people. However, there is an absence of research on other point-of-sale (POS) alcohol marketing strategies - such as those that ‘reward’ purchasers with free gifts. The purpose of the present study was to document the nature and extent of POS alcohol promotions in bottle shops in two Australian capital cities. An audit tool was developed and point-of-sale promotions were found to be ubiquitous, with 416 promotions identified across 24 audits (an average of 17.3 promotions per outlet; 19.8 in Sydney and 14.9 in …

Public Perception Study 2011: Mental Illness, Drug And Alcohol Abuse, Oscar T. Mcknight

Oscar T McKnight Ph.D.

This study examined the public perception of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse. Field-interviews with participants occurred "on the street" with no difficulty. Participants offered ten general recommendations to professionals developing programs for mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse. The public stressed the professional responsibilities of physicians, pharmacists, counselors and teachers to prevent drug abuse.