Factors Associated with Self‐Estimated Breath Alcohol Concentration Among Bar Patrons. (6th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossheim, Matthew E.; Barry, Adam E.; Thombs, Dennis L.; Weiler, Robert M.; Krall, Jenna R.; Stephenson, Caroline J.; Walters, Scott T.; Reed, Mark B.; Clapp, John D.; Suzuki, Sumihiro; Barnett, Tracey E.; Cannell, M. Brad
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism. Volume 41:Number 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1492
• Page End: 1501
• Publication Date: 2017-07-06
• Subjects: Errors in Self‐Estimation of Breath Alcohol Concentration -- Misperceptions of BAC Self‐Estimates -- Inaccuracy of Perceived Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoolisme; Electronic journals; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.13428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-6008

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Few studies have examined the context in which drinkers underestimate their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in natural drinking environments. This study examined factors associated with bar patrons' self‐estimated BrAC in high‐risk college town settings. Methods: Guided interview and BrAC data were collected from 510 participants recruited as they exited bars located close to large universities: 1 in Florida and 1 in Texas. Results: Participants with the highest measured BrACs underestimated their BrAC levels the most. Findings from multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that BrAC (std β = 0.014, p < 0.001), number of alcoholic drinks consumed (std β = 0.006, p < 0.01), and perceived drunkenness (std β = 0.024, p < 0.001) had significant positive associations with BrAC self‐estimates, where the regression coefficients were scaled by values approximately equal to each variable's interquartile range. Among the 321 participants with BrAC levels ≥ 0.08 g/dl, 21.2% believed their BrAC was below the legal per se driving limit of 0.08 g/dl. Results from a logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived drunkenness were associated with better self‐recognition that one's BrAC level exceeded the legal driving threshold (OR = 3.312, p < 0.001). Further, participants under 26 years of age had reduced odds of recognizing that their BrAC was greater than 0.079 g/dl (OR = 0.245, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the inaccuracy of self‐estimated BrAC when drinking, particularly among younger drinkers. Adjusting for BrAC, situational factors were strongly associated with self‐estimated BrAC. Future research is needed to better understand how altering drinking environments may improve accuracy of BrAC self‐estimates and deter driving after drinking. Abstract : Bar patrons with the highest measured breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) underestimated their BrAC levels the most. In multivariable regression analysis BrAC, number of drinks consumed, and perceived drunkenness were positively associations with BrAC self‐estimates. Further, among bar patrons with BrAC levels ≥ 0.08 g/dl, those who felt less drunk and who were under 26 years of age were less likely to self‐recognize that they their BrAC level exceeded the legal driving threshold, adjusting for BrAC and other factors.