An evaluation of two primary care interventions for alcohol abuse among Mexican-American patients.

AIMS

This study examined the effects of two primary care interventions (a physician intervention and a clinic-based psychoeducational group) on drinking patterns, psychosocial problems and blood test results (MCV, GGT, SGOT and SGPT).

DESIGN

Subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: physician intervention, psychoeducation, both interventions, or no intervention. Follow-up data were collected at 12 and 18 months.

SETTING

Subjects were recruited from a family practice outpatient clinic managed by a public hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Included 175 Mexican-American female and male primary care patients who screened positive for alcohol abuse or dependence. These patients were not seeking help for alcohol problems.

INTERVENTIONS

Included a brief physician intervention and a 6-week patient psychoeducational group.

MEASUREMENTS

The Diagnostic Interview Schedule assessed subjects for alcohol abuse; the Addiction Severity Index measured alcohol-related problems, including psychosocial issues.

FINDINGS

All four treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement over time, with few differences between intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment can be confounded with brief interventions; future investigators should use non-assessed control groups.