Patient injury-related alcohol use-underestimated in patients with facial fractures?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to highlight the current underestimation of the role of alcohol in facial fracture etiology and patients' daily life.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Alcohol consumption habits were evaluated, and data were collected through a constructed questionnaire and interview. Case-related data collection was performed, with the primary predictor variables being mechanism of injury; fracture type; and associated injury (any). Outcome variables were alcohol involved in injury (yes/no) and heavy alcohol use (yes/no). The explanatory variables were gender and age. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed, and the P value was set at .05.

RESULTS

In total, 166 patients were included in the study. Of these, 55% of patients reported being under the influence of alcohol when they sustained the injury. Alcohol was involved most often among male patients (P = .0006) and in the younger age groups (P < .0001). Of the study patients, 17% reported heavy alcohol use. The majority of the interpersonal violence events had taken place under the influence of alcohol (84%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The role of alcohol in facial fracture etiology is significant. A brief intervention for alcohol abuse should be included routinely in patient care to identify and, if necessary, address this problem.