Background Level of response to alcohol (LR) has been shown to be associated with the risk for developing alcohol dependence and can be measured using the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire. This study examined the heritability of the SRE-measured level of response and the relationship between LR and recent alcohol drinking history (RDH) in a predominantly African American non-alcohol dependent population. Methods This was a sibling study of 101 social drinkers aged 21–35 years recruited from the Washington DC metropolitan area. Participants were administered the SRE to assess LR and the Timeline Followback (TLFB) to assess RDH. The indices of SRE used were Total SRE score (SRTT), Early Drinking SRE score (SRED), Regular Drinking SRE score (SRRD), and Heavy Drinking SRE score (SRHD). Pearson’s product-moment correlation and linear regression was used to analyze SRE indices and RDH variables (quantity and drinks per drinking occasion). Heritability analysis was conducted using Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR) software with SRE indices as traits of interest. Results There was a significant relationship between SRE and RDH measures. Drinks per drinking day, maximum drinks, and quantity of drinks were significantly associated with SRTT, SRHD and SRRD (all p<0.05). SRTT showed significant heritability (h2=.67, p=.025), however, the SRE sub-indices (SRED, SRRD, SRHD) were not significantly heritable. Analysis performed in the subset consisting of only African Americans (n=86) showed similar trends. Conclusion Level of response, as measured by the SRE, is associated with recent alcohol drinking history. The high level of heritability of the SRE total score suggests that genetics accounts for a significant proportion of the variation in the level of response to alcohol in social drinkers.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to elucidate changes in attitudes, experiences, readiness, and confidence levels of medical residents to perform screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and factors that moderate these changes. Methods A cohort of 121 medical residents received an educational intervention. Self-reported experience, readiness, attitude, and confidence toward SBIRT-related skills were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of medical specialization. Results The intervention significantly increased experience (P < .001), attitude (P < .05), readiness (P < .001), and confidence (P < .001). Residents were more likely to report that their involvement influenced patients’ substance use. However, experience applying SBIRT skills varied by country of birth, specialty, and baseline scores. Conclusions This study suggested that SBIRT training was an effective educational tool that increased residents’ sense of responsibility. However, application of skills might differ by specialization and other variables. Future studies are needed to explore and evaluate SBIRT knowledge obtained, within the context of cultural awareness and clinical skills.

Although an overwhelming majority of participants expressed an interest in genetic testing for AD, there is an understandable high level of methodological and ethical concerns. Such information should form the basis of policies to guide future genetic testing of AD.

Identifying ethnic differences in the clinical course of alcohol dependence may be of importance in developing treatment plans and assist in the development of culturally sensitive intervention and prevention programs.

Background and Objectives Numerous factors contribute to underrepresentation of African-Americans in medical research, including beliefs, historical events, structural, and health access obstacles. This study examined beliefs about medical research and the types of study methods preferred among potential African-American research participants. Methods A sample of 304 African-American participants from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, completed a survey evaluating beliefs about medical research and preferred research study methods. Multiple Regression analyses were performed to examine how age, gender, and education may influence these beliefs and preferences for research study methods. Results The beliefs and preferences surveyed did not differ by age, gender, or educational attainment. There was an overwhelmingly favorable belief (90 %) that medical research was necessary and assists in finding a cure for a disease. Most respondents preferred participating in research related to issues with which they were familiar (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or working with researchers of a similar ethnic background to themselves. Interestingly, though nonsignificant, those with higher levels of educational trended toward the belief that participation in research was risky. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that certain beliefs about medical research participation and preferred study methodologies reported by African-Americans did not differ by age, gender, or level of education. This information about African-American’s beliefs and preferences regarding medical research should lead to an awareness of potential gains in African-American participation through the development of culturally sensitive medical research studies and methodologies.