Citation

Geroldi C, Rozzini R, Frisoni GB, Trabucchi M. Alcohol 1994; 11(6): 513-516.

Affiliation

Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7865153

Abstract

This study evaluates characteristics associated with alcohol consumption or alcohol-related problems in an elderly population, as detected by CAGE questionnaire and self-reported alcohol intake respectively. Data were obtained from a multidimensional study carried out in a community-dwelling population aged 70-75 (n = 1205, 389 males and 816 females) living in the city center of Brescia, in northern Italy. All information was gathered by self-report. Male gender, better mood, daily function, somatic health, not living alone, and being married were significantly associated with self-reported alcohol consumption. Male gender, poorer cognitive function, and income dissatisfaction were significantly associated with alcohol problems as detected by CAGE. Data suggest that self-report of alcohol intake, though intrinsically loaded with imperfect internal consistency, does not necessarily indicate risk of alcoholism; on the contrary, it can reveal the positive psychological attitude of the drinking habit. CAGE questionnaire, which is sensitive to alcohol related problems, is associated with poor psychosocial conditions.

Language: en