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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2006 Mar;13(3):146, 152-156
Parental alcohol problems: parents' preferences for screening and intervention in the pediatric office setting
Wilson CR, Sherritt L, Knight JR
ABSTRACT Objective: To assess parents’ preferences for parental alcohol screening and intervention during pediatric office visits for their children. Design: Descriptive pilot study. Setting: Pediatric primary care clinic in a large urban tertiary care hospital. Participants: Parents or other caregivers bringing their children for medical care during 2 weeks in July/August 2001. Measurements: Participants completed a 31-item anonymous questionnaire containing demographic items, 2 alcohol screening tests (TWEAK and AUDIT), and forced-choice response items designed to assess preferences for who should perform alcohol screening, acceptance of screening, and desired interventions if the screening were positive. Results: 189 (71%) of 265 eligible parents/caregivers agreed to participate. 185 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. 12% screened positive on the TWEAK, 8% screened positive on the AUDIT, and 13% screened positive on either test. 93% of those who screened negative said they would “welcome” or “not mind” being screened for alcohol use versus 90% of those who screened positive; this difference was not significant (p = 0.66). 61% of parents/caregivers preferred to be screened by the pediatrician, 16% by a questionnaire, 6% by a nurse or nurse practitioner, and 7% did not want to be asked about their alcohol use. If their screen were to suggest an alcohol problem, 52% preferred the pediatrician talk to them about their alcohol use and give them options for getting help. The least preferred intervention was to do nothing at all. Conclusion: 13% of parents screened positive for problem alcohol use. Most parents reported they would welcome or not mind being screened for alcohol problems as part of the routine pediatric office visit, and that the alcohol screening should be conducted by the pediatrician. If they were found to have an alcohol problem, the majority of parents would want the pediatrician to discuss their alcohol use with them and refer them for additional services.
Original Research
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