Prevalence and correlates of alcohol dependence in an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative sample: Using the Grog Survey App

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the prevalence of current alcohol dependence in Indigenous Australian communities. Here we identify the frequency of reported symptoms, estimate the prevalence and describe the correlates of current alcohol dependence. Methods A representative sample of Indigenous Australians (16+ years) was recruited from an urban and remote community in South Australia. Data were collected between July and October 2019 via a tablet computer‐based application. Participants were likely dependent if they reported two or more dependence symptoms (ICD‐11; in the last 12 ‐months), weekly or more frequently. Chi‐square tests described the relationship between demographics, remoteness and alcohol dependence. Spearman correlations estimated the relationship between symptoms of dependence, consumption characteristics and demographics. Results A total of 775 Indigenous Australians participated. The most frequently reported symptoms were prioritising alcohol over other things and loss of control. Overall, 2.2% were likely dependent on alcohol (n = 17/775). Prevalence did not vary by remoteness. Participants who drank more and more frequently tended to report more frequent symptoms of dependence. In the urban site, men tended to report more frequent symptoms of dependence than women. Age, income and schooling were not linked to dependence. Discussion and Conclusions The prevalence of current alcohol dependence in this representative sample was similar to that of the general Australian and international estimates. Understanding risk factors for current alcohol dependence will be useful to inform the allocation of funding and support. Accurate estimates of the prevalence of current alcohol dependence are important to better identify specialist treatment needs.

Low rates of prescribing alcohol relapse prevention medicines in Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

“…This is slightly lower than in a recent First Nations Australian community sample (2.2%; an urban and remote site). That study used an interactive iPad tool, validated among First Nations Australians, to ask three questions on dependence (derived from International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, features) [ 14 ]. Our prevalence of 1.6% is close to the 12‐month prevalence of 1.4% within the general Australian community (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition; diagnostic interview schedule) [ 15 ].…”

“…It is characterised by a strong internal compulsion to consume alcohol with impaired ability to control one's use. Among First Nations Australians, the prevalence of alcohol dependence is similar to that of the general Australian population (2.2% vs. 1.4%, aged 16+) [14, 15]. Harms to individuals, their families and communities can be greater in dependence [9].…”

Deeper understandings of patterns of drinking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: Informing policy and practice

“…Communities could use the App for this ongoing monitoring. In addition to estimating the proportion of people at long‐ and short‐ term risk, the App monitors prevalence of alcohol dependence 22 . Beyond identifying whether a community needs support, the App can also help identify which population subgroups within communities are most at risk.…”

“…Beyond identifying whether a community needs support, the App can also help identify which population subgroups within communities are most at risk. For example, using data collected with the App, in one community we found that men and those with lower incomes were more likely to be dependent on alcohol 22 . This information could be used to establish support groups for men, so they can connect with others and ensure their basic psychological needs are satisfied in safe ways 23 …”

Effects of service-wide support on regularity of alcohol screening of clients in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services: a cluster randomised trial

“…Alcohol contributes to 8.1% of the health gap between First Nations Australians and other Australians [ 4 ]. This is despite the fact that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than non-Indigenous are current non-drinkers [ 5 ], and prevalence of dependence (2.2%) is similar to the general population [ 6 ]. However, when First Nations Australians people do drink, they consume a median of 78 g of alcohol per occasion, well over the Australian recommended limit to reduce risk of short-term harms, like injury, from alcohol (40 g per occasion) [ 7 ].…”