ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION, SENSATION SEEKING AND SKI INJURY - A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective: Alcohol consumption is known to be associated with both ris k of accidental injury and with sensation seeking, and sensation seeki ng has been found to be common among those engaging in such high-risk activities as skiing. However, few studies have examined the joint ass ociation of alcohol consumption and sensation seeking on injury. Metho d: Alcohol consumption prior to injury and sensation-seeking dispositi on are analyzed on 389 injured skiers (clinic sample) and 899 randomly selected uninjured skiers (trailside sample) at a Northeastern ski re sort. Cases and controls were asked questions pertaining to drinking w ithin 24 hours, amount consumed, time lapsed between the last drink an d the event, skiing ability, and sensation seeking. Results: The clini c sample was more likely to be female, to have less skiing experience. to score lower on sensation seeking and to have been drinking within 24 hours compared to the trailside sample. However, they were less lik ely to have had six or more drinks within 24 hours and were more likel y to report a greater time lapse between the last drink and injury or interview, A larger proportion of those who reported drinking in both samples scored high on sensation seeking compared to those who reporte d not drinking. Logistic regression analysis found the following varia bles predictive of ski injury: female, low on sensation seeking, amoun t of alcohol consumed prior to the event, a longer time lapsed between drinking and the event, time of day (later) and day of the week (week end). Conclusions: The data suggest that, while drinking within 24 hou rs is positively associated with sensation seeking, drinking and not s ensation seeking is positively predictive of injury. Drinking at least 12 hours Frier to skiing, not drinking in close proximity to skiing, may increase risk for accidental injury, possibly due to a hangover or residual alcohol effect in which fatigue may play a part.