Alcohol, Drug, and Cigarette Use in a Psychosis Unit: A 1.5 Year Follow-Up Study
Author Information
Author(s): Gunilla Cruce, Agneta Öjehagen
Primary Institution: Lund University Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the patterns of alcohol, drug, and cigarette use among patients in a psychosis unit over a 1.5 year period?
Conclusion
A more active approach towards alcohol, drug, and smoking habits in psychosis units would probably be beneficial.
Supporting Evidence
- 186 out of 238 patients participated in the follow-up, representing a 78% retention rate.
- Total AUDIT scores decreased in women, indicating reduced risky alcohol use.
- Older men were more likely to develop risky alcohol use over the follow-up period.
- 9% of patients changed their drug habits from risky to no/low risky use.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people in a mental health unit used alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes over a year and a half. It found that while some people changed their habits, many kept using these substances in risky ways.
Methodology
The study used self-reporting instruments (AUDIT, DUDIT, FTND) to assess substance use at baseline and follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias may have affected the reported frequencies of risky use.
Limitations
The study lacked information on how feedback from the screening was communicated to patients and whether interventions were implemented.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 57% male participants with a mean age of 45 years; most had a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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