Alcohol use and serious psychological distress among women of childbearing age

2010

Mary O'Connor
[email protected]
310-206-6528

The purpose of this study was to present nationally representative findings on the prevalence and co-occurrence of alcohol use and serious psychological distress among aged 18-44 years, as well as their access to health care. A total of 24,900 women aged 18-44 years participated in the National Health Interview Survey during the years 2003-05. Using data from the cross-sectional survey we estimated the prevalence was 4.1% for heavier alcohol use, 56.0 for non-heavier use, 39.8 for non use, and 3.6 for serious psychological distress among women aged 18-44. Women who experienced serious psychological distress were at an increased likelihood for alcohol use, particularly heavier use. Alcohol use and serious psychological distress were at an increased likelihood for alcohol use, particularly heavier use. Alcohol use had serious psychological distress co-occurred among an estimated 1.1 million women of childbearing age in the US annually. Most women, regardless of their co-occurring status, reported being treated by clinicians in various health care settings during the previous 12 months. Alcohol use is common among women of childbearing age who experience serious psychological distress. These findings provide support for enhancing efforts toward integrated assessment and intervention among women who have such co-occurring risk factors.

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

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