DOES ALCOHOL CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ATTENDANCE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Objective-To evaluate the possible contribution of alcohol to presenta tion of elderly subjects at a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) de partment. Methods-105 patients aged 70 years and over who attended the department were interviewed by a single observer using a structured q uestionnaire based on previously validated general population surveys. Details of alcohol consumption within the previous 24 hours were reco rded. Usual consumption of alcohol in the preceding 12 months was esti mated by the quantity frequency method. Alcohol dependence was screene d for by the CAGE questionnaire. An assessment of disability was made using the Barthel index. Breath alcohol was measured. Results-In only 2% of attenders was alcohol thought to be a contributory factor. Breat h alcohol measurements were technically unsatisfactory in this age gro up. Regular drinkers were functionally and socially more independent t han nonregular drinkers. Drinking patterns in this age group may partl y be determined by the physical ability to obtain alcohol. Conclusions -Alcohol was not found to be a major factor in A&E attendance in elder ly people.