Citation

Rossheim ME, Barry AE, Thombs DL, Weiler RM, Krall JR, Stephenson CJ, Walters ST, Reed MB, Clapp JD, Suzuki S, Barnett TE, Cannell MB. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 2017; 41(8): 1492-1501.

Affiliation

Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/acer.13428

PMID

28683518

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the context in which drinkers underestimate their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in natural drinking environments. This study examined factors associated with bar patrons' self-estimated BrAC in high-risk college town settings.

METHODS: Guided interview and BrAC data were collected from 510 participants recruited as they exited bars located close to large universities: 1 in Florida and 1 in Texas.

RESULTS: Participants with the highest measured BrACs underestimated their BrAC levels the most.

FINDINGS from multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that BrAC (std β = 0.014, p < 0.001), number of alcoholic drinks consumed (std β = 0.006, p < 0.01), and perceived drunkenness (std β = 0.024, p < 0.001) had significant positive associations with BrAC self-estimates, where the regression coefficients were scaled by values approximately equal to each variable's interquartile range. Among the 321 participants with BrAC levels ≥ 0.08 g/dl, 21.2% believed their BrAC was below the legal per se driving limit of 0.08 g/dl.

RESULTS from a logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived drunkenness were associated with better self-recognition that one's BrAC level exceeded the legal driving threshold (OR = 3.312, p < 0.001). Further, participants under 26 years of age had reduced odds of recognizing that their BrAC was greater than 0.079 g/dl (OR = 0.245, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the inaccuracy of self-estimated BrAC when drinking, particularly among younger drinkers. Adjusting for BrAC, situational factors were strongly associated with self-estimated BrAC. Future research is needed to better understand how altering drinking environments may improve accuracy of BrAC self-estimates and deter driving after drinking.

Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Language: en

Keywords

Errors in Self-Estimation of Breath Alcohol Concentration; Inaccuracy of Perceived Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels; Misperceptions of BAC Self-Estimates