Detection of Alcoholism in Hospitalized Children and Their Families

Anne K. Duggan, Hoover Adger, Eileen M. McDonald, Emma J. Stokes, Richard Moore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study sought to measure provider recognition of family alcohol-related problems among hospitalized children and to identify characteristics distinguishing “positive” families. The study sample (N = 147) was drawn from admissions to the general pediatric medical service of a metropolitan teaching hospital. Positivity was assessed through parent and patient interviews that included standard alcohol abuse screening instruments. Provider recognition was assessed through record review and physician interview. Of the 22 families screened positive, only one was so identified by the child's attending or resident physician. Positive and “negative” families were similar in most respects, although parents in positive families were more likely to report stress and sleeping problems and adolescents were more likely to report being troubled by a parent's drinking. The similarity of positive and negative families and the low pediatrician recognition rate suggest that alcohol problems are likely to go unnoticed without a conscious screening effort.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)613-617
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Diseases of Children
Volume145
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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