Development of an Australian version of the Alcohol‐Related Problems Survey: A comprehensive computerised screening tool for older adults. (3rd October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bright, Stephen J; Fink, Arlene; Beck, John C; Gabriel, Jim; Singh, Dhiren
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 34:Number 1(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2013-10-03
• Subjects: Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajag12098-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The Alcohol‐Related Problems Survey (ARPS) reliably classifies drinking as non‐hazardous, hazardous or harmful using scoring algorithms that consider quantity and frequency of alcohol use alone and in combination with health conditions, medication‐use and functional status. Because it has been developed using a 14‐g US standard drink, it is not valid in Australia where a standard drink contains 10 g of ethanol.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12098-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>We recalibrated the ARPS scoring algorithms for a 10‐g Australian standard drink and updated the list of medications. The Australian ARPS (A‐ARPS) was then administered to 50 non‐treatment‐seeking participants in waves of five.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12098-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The A‐ARPS recalibrated scoring algorithms reliably classified all 50 individuals. Sixty‐six per cent were classified as hazardous or harmful drinkers. Many were taking medications that interact with alcohol or had medical conditions that can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12098-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The A‐ARPS is available for use in Australia. Its utilisation could reduce the incidence of alcohol‐related harms.</p> </sec> </abstract>