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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Blood alcohol content prevalence among trauma patients seen at a level 1 trauma center

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Author(s):
Cynthia Gazal-Carvalho [1] ; Beatriz Carlini-Cotrim [2] ; Ovandir Alves Silva [3] ; Naim Sauaia [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas - Brasil
[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Revista de Saúde Pública; v. 36, n. 1, p. 47-54, 2002-02-00.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of blood alcohol content (BAC) among patients seen at a level 1 trauma center. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out and patients were randomly selected at the emergency room of a level I trauma center in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, throughout a year (August 1998 to August 1999). Blood samples were drawn and data was collected using an adapted version of a questionnaire developed by the Medical Research Institute of San Francisco -- Alcohol Research Group. RESULTS: A population sample of 464 patients was analyzed. Most of them were males (73.7%) and the median age was 29 years old. Positive BAC was found in 28.9% of the cases (CI95% 24.8--33.2) and in 84.3% BAC was =0.10%. Type of injury, gender, age group, marital status and outcome showed statistically significant associations with BAC with the highest BAC prevalence observed among assault victims (46.2%), males (33.9%), 25 to 44 years old (37.6%), singles (33.0%), and patients admitted in the hospital (41.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the relationship of alcohol and trauma. Preventive actions at different levels focusing on higher risk groups for alcohol-related injuries should be considered as part of prevention programs to both reduce injuries and curb recurrent events. (AU)