Citation

Turner SJ, Paschane DM, Johnson ME, Fisher DG, Fenaughty AM. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 1998; 57(Suppl 1): 447-453.

Affiliation

University of Alaska Anchorage, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Union for Circumpolar Health, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10093323

Abstract

This study investigated predictors of alcohol consumption among drug users not currently in treatment in Anchorage, Alaska. Data were collected from 114 female and 269 male drug users via structured interviews. Alcohol consumption was defined as estimated number of drinks consumed in the last 30 days. Results revealed a high proportion consuming alcohol within the last 48 hours and 30 days (73% and 96%, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression revealed that five variables, accounting for 9% of the variance, were significantly related to alcohol consumption. Positively related were greater perceived risk of getting AIDS; obtaining income from spouse, family, or friend; living on the streets or in a shelter; or living in a hotel or boarding house. Negatively related was having an education level greater than high school. For those participants who reported having sex during the last 30 days, two variables were positively related to alcohol consumption and accounted for 17% of the variance: number of times used alcohol with sex and frequency of sex without a condom. In addition to identifying several demographic variables that are significantly related to alcohol consumption, the results document the relationship between alcohol consumption and unsafe sexual practices.

Language: en