[Prevalence of drinkers at risk and associated factors among men attending primary care clinics].

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the prevalence of risk drinkers among men seeking health care, establish consumption patterns and relate them to socio-demographic features and health habits.

DESIGN

Crossover study. First phase of an experimental study.

SETTING

Four primary care teams in Area 10, Madrid.

PATIENTS

Males between 18 and 65 who attended for on-demand medical care. A systematic sample was selected (n = 562).

MEASUREMENTS

A questionnaire collecting socio-demographic characteristics, health habits and alcohol consumption (frequency, consumption pattern, intake of Weekly Units of alcohol (WU) and alcohol-related problems). 94.2% replied. 38% were habitual drinkers (drink four or more days a week), while 18.9% were week-end drinkers. Prevalence of drinkers consuming over 21 WU was 24.8%; and over 35 WU, 16.2%. Whether the cut-off point was fixed at 21 or 35 WU. The alcohol taken was related to educational level, physical exercise, smoking and taking other drugs. On average, single people, smokers, other drug-consumers, ex-drinkers and habitual drinkers were those who displayed most problems connected with alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a similar profile of health habits for the groups consuming over 21 WU and 35 WU, which should make preventive care pay attention to both groups of drinkers.