Increasing Alcohol Screening Among Women

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is occurring at increasing rates among women in the United States. High-risk drinking, heavy alcohol use, and binge drinking are characteristics of the disorder. Screening for alcohol use can identify women with risky drinking patterns. Primary care providers can identify women with AUD through routine alcohol screening protocols. The purpose of this project was to increase screening among women at a primary care clinic in western North Carolina by implementing the United States Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (USAUDIT). There was no routine alcohol screening occurring at the clinic before the start of the project. Women ages 18 and over, who presented for routine healthcare visits were screened with the USAUDIT over 12 weeks. There were 652 women who met screening criteria and 68% (n=446) were screened. One percent (n=6) of women had positive screening results, representative of mild AUD. All positive screens received a point-of-care brief intervention. Brief interventions included conversations about women's drinking patterns and education on recommended alcohol limits. Findings revealed women with AUD were identified by using the USAUDIT. Future endeavors to improve screening rates at the clinic are indicated.