Alcohol prevention in emergency care : Drinking patterns among patients and the impact of a computerized intervention in a Swedish Emergency department

Abstract: The aim of this thesis was to generate knowledge about alcohol consumption among patients in a Swedish ED, the reach and effectiveness of a computerized brief intervention delivered in the ED, and factors that are associated with reduced alcohol consumption 6 months after the ED visit.The results from the studies show that alcohol consumption was higher among patients who were injured than patients who were not injured. Injury patients had a higher weekly consumption, drank more frequently and drank higher typical quantities than non-injury patients. Patients who were categorized as acute drinkers had higher weekly alcohol consumption and were more frequently engaged in heavy episodic drinking (HED) than non-acute drinkers.Among the patients who took part in the computerized test, more than 15% stated that they were at the preparation stage or actively motivated to change their alcohol consumption. Of the patients who were categorized as acute drinkers, 34% were at the action or preparation stage.Among patients who were categorized as risky drinkers, 48% became non-risky drinkers at follow-up. The relative change in average weekly consumption among risky drinkers was 30% and the relative change in HED occasions per month was 37% from baseline to follow-up.Motivated to reduce alcohol consumption at baseline, influenced by just visiting the ED, considering the alcohol-related feedback information and impact from a health care provider are independent predictors for reduced alcohol consumption.