Hazardous drinking problems in family members of problem-drinker patients in Chinese general hospitals

Objective: To explore (1) the prevalence and risk factors for hazardous alcohol-drinking problems and (2) previous assessments and interventions for alcohol-drinking problems among family members of Chinese problem-drinker patients. Method: Self-report data were collected from 517 family members of problem-drinker patients at five randomly selected general hospitals in Taiwan. Results: Family members' prevalence of hazardous alcohol-drinking problems was 13.3%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for hazardous drinking were male gender, low education level, heart disease, smoking, and chewing betel quid. Only 11.8% of participants had been assessed for drinking problems in the past year. Only 5.2% of participants with drinking problems had received a drinking intervention in the past year. Conclusion: Alcohol problems among family members of problem-drinker patients in Taiwanese general hospitals are insufficiently assessed and targeted with interventions. Targeting this high-risk group is important to prevent drinking problems in family members of problem-drinker patients.