Health Care Access for Excessive Drinkers in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Naimi Timothy S, Town Machell, Mokdad Ali H, Brewer Robert D
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Are low screening rates for excessive drinking due to limited access to health care or missed opportunities during patient visits?
Conclusion
Most excessive drinkers were insured and had a recent medical checkup, indicating that missed screening opportunities are the main issue.
Supporting Evidence
- Excessive drinkers had a lower prevalence of health insurance coverage (79%) than nonexcessive drinkers (88%) and nondrinkers (84%).
- Among excessive drinkers, 79% had current health insurance and 78% had a recent checkup.
- The prevalence of excessive drinking among those with health insurance was 15%, and among those with a recent checkup, it was 14%.
Takeaway
Many people who drink too much have health insurance and see a doctor, but they often miss chances to be screened for their drinking habits.
Methodology
Data from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a telephone survey of U.S. adults, was analyzed.
Potential Biases
Potential overreporting of checkups could lead to overestimates of health care access.
Limitations
The study may underestimate alcohol consumption due to inaccurate recall and noncoverage of individuals with severe alcohol problems.
Participant Demographics
The study included noninstitutionalized U.S. adults, with a focus on excessive drinkers defined by specific drinking patterns.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval, 2.41–3.02
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