Alcohol and drug use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers: effects on caregiver burden

BackgroundThe estimated prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with advanced cancer is reported as 4%–38%. There are limited data regarding alcohol and drug use disorders in caregivers of patients with cancer and the effects on other issues.AimTo establish the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in a large cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.To evaluate the relationship between alcohol and drug use disorders and patient symptoms and caregiver burden.DesignThe patient with cancer and caregiver completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, CAGE questionnaire and Drug Abuse Screening Test. The patient completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale–Short Form, and the caregiver completed the Zarit Burden Questionnaire.Statistical analysis compared cases and non-cases of alcohol and drug use disorders with symptom and burden score.Setting/participantsPatients with cancer, and their caregivers, were recruited from 11 UK sites, 6 hospices and 5 hospitals.ResultsFive hundred and seven patients and their caregivers were recruited. Twenty-seven patients (5%) and 44 caregivers (9%) screened positively for alcohol use disorders on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool. Thirty patients (6%), and 16 caregivers (3%), screened positively for drug abuse problems on the Drug Abuse Screening Test.There was a significantly higher carer burden score in caregivers screening positively for alcohol and drug abuse problems.ConclusionsThe prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers was lower than reported in previous studies. Caregiver burden scores were significantly higher in carers screening positively for alcohol and drug use disorders.Trial registration numberTrial registered National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (CPMS ID 30723) IRAS ID 198753.

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Alcohol- and Drug-Use Disorders in Australia: Implications of the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1080/j.1440-1614.2000.00715.x ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 206-213 ◽

Cited By ~ 139

Author(s):

Maree Teesson ◽

Wayne Hall ◽

Michael Lynskey ◽

Louisa Degenhardt

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Drug Use ◽

Alcohol Use Disorders ◽

Treatment Seeking ◽

Alcohol And Drug Use ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Drug Use Disorders ◽

Icd 10

Objective: This study reports the prevalence and correlates of ICD-10 alcohol- and drug-use disorders in the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB) and discusses their implications for treatment. Method: The NSMHWB was a nationally representative household survey of 10 641 Australian adults that assessed participants for symptoms of the most prevalent ICD-10 and DSM-IV mental disorders, including alcohol- and drug-use disorders. Results: In the past 12 months 6.5%% of Australian adults met criteria for an ICD-10 alcohol-use disorder and 2.2%% had another ICD-10 drug-use disorder. Men were at higher risk than women of developing alcohol- and drug-use disorders and the prevalence of both disorders decreased with increasing age. There were high rates of comorbidity between alcohol- and other drug-use disorders and mental disorders and low rates of treatment seeking. Conclusions: Alcohol-use disorders are a major mental health and public health issue in Australia. Drug-use disorders are less common than alcohol-use disorders, but still affect a substantial minority of Australian adults. Treatment seeking among persons with alcohol- and other drug-use disorders is low. A range of public health strategies (including improved specialist treatment services) are needed to reduce the prevalence of these disorders.

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