@article{ref1,
title="A retrospective analysis of ethnic and gender differences in alcohol consumption among emergency department patients: a cross-sectional study",
journal="BMC emergency medicine",
year="2015",
author="Chakravarthy, Bharath and Alix, Kristin and Hoonpongsimanont, Wirachin and Anderson, Craig Lewis and Barrios, Cristobal and McCoy, Christopher Eric and Ogbu, Uzor C. and Cisneros, Victor and Lotfipour, Shahram",
volume="15",
number="1",
pages="e24-e24",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Previous studies of alcohol use have recognized several trends in consumption patterns among gender and age yet few have examined ethnic differences. This study examines the intra- and inter-ethnic differences in alcohol consumption among a population of patients seen in the emergency department. <br><br>METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency department in a large urban setting. Information on drinking behavior and ethnicity was collected using the Computerized Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention (CASI) tool. We explored differences in drinking patterns using a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model. <br><br>RESULTS: We analyzed the drinking habits of 2,444 patients surveyed between November 2012 and May 2014. The results indicate that when compared to non-Hispanic whites, Asians have the lowest odds of drinking within normal limits or excessively, followed by other Latinos, and Mexicans. Age and gender consistently showed statistically significant associations with alcohol-use. The odds of drinking within normal limits or excessively are inversely associated with age and were lower among females. The predicted probabilities show a marked gender-specific difference in alcohol use both between and within ethnic/racial groups. They also highlight an age-related convergence in alcohol use between men and women within ethnic groups. <br><br>DISCUSSION: The results of this study show intra-racial/ethnic variability associated with sex and education. The highlighted differences within and between ethnic groups reinforce the need to use refined categories when examining alcohol use among minorities. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm some alcohol consumption trends among ethnic minorities observed in literature. It provides empirical evidence of the marked gender differences and highlights an age-related convergence for gender-specific alcohol use. Health-care personnel should be aware of these differences when screening and counseling.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1471-227X",
doi="10.1186/s12873-015-0050-5",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12873-015-0050-5"
}