2013 Volume 21 Issue 3 Pages 216-224
Objective: To examine the relationship between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score and intention to reduce alcohol intake (sobriety intention) in male drinkers.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 363 male drinkers receiving health check-ups in a clinic was carried out by self-reported questionnaire. Participants were classified into three groups by AUDIT score (Group A: ≤7 points, Group B: 8-15 points, and Group C: ≥16 points). Basic characteristics, drinking status, perceived benefits and demerits of drinking, knowledge of appropriate drinking behavior, and sobriety intention were compared between the three groups. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors influencing sobriety intention. Independent values included in the model were age, number of perceived benefits to drinking, number of perceived demerits to drinking, and four items from the AUDIT (drinking frequency, effects from drinking felt the next day, guilt felt after drinking, and drinking-related concern or suggestion from others).
Results: The higher the AUDIT score, the higher the observed sobriety intention among participants; 42.9% of those from Group B, and 64.7% of those from Group C wanted to reduce their drinking. However, 73.8% of those from Group B, and 38.2% of those from Group C had heard no concern or suggestion regarding their drinking from others. Identification of the correct level of appropriate drinking, meanwhile, was observed in just 30-40% of participants. A logistic regression analysis showed that sobriety intention was associated with three items of the AUDIT: drinking frequency (odds ratio: 1.62), feeling guilty after drinking (odds ratio: 1.74), and hearing drinking-related concern from others (odds ratio: 1.38).
Conclusion: AUDIT scores were related to sobriety intentions among drinking men in this study. In designing behavioral education interventions, problem drinking and sobriety intentions should be incorporated in screening tests.
