Prevalence of Screening Patients for Alcohol Use in West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Consequences of alcohol consumption are well-established and compounded by physiological changes of aging (increased sensitivity; medication interactions; etc.). Alcohol screening for all ages is recommended, especially as most Americans believe moderate drinking is acceptable. Screening is important in high alcohol use regions, such as rural areas where isolation is more likely, especially for older adults. The Appalachian Region has a significant rural population of older adults. West Virginia (WV) is representative of Appalachia. It is a rural state, has many older adults, and all counties are Appalachian.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the likelihood of alcohol screening among older versus younger WV adults.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2022 WV data were used. Study inclusion was complete data on sex (at birth), age, alcohol use, and alcohol screening responses. Data were analyzed using Rao-Scott Chi square and logistic regression analysis for the association of age on alcohol screening at routine healthcare visits.

Of the entire sample (n=3,297), 30% were ≥65 years; 53% were female; and 35.7% reported moderate drinking. Alcohol screening was 58.4% for individuals ≥65 years, and 89.8% for individuals ages 18 to <40 years>( p<0.0001). Individuals ≥65 years were nearly 5 times more likely than individuals ages 18 to <40 years to not be screened (adjusted odds ratio=4.84 [95% CI: 3.24, 7.23]; p<0.0001).

There is a need for greater screening for alcohol use in older adults, as older adults are disproportionately less likely to receive an alcohol screening compared to individuals <40 >years.