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Addiction Science & Clinical Practice
Published in: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

Standardised alcohol screening in primary health care services targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia

Authors: M. Mofizul Islam, Helen T. Oni, K. S. Kylie Lee, Noel Hayman, Scott Wilson, Kristie Harrison, Beth Hummerston, Rowena Ivers, Katherine M. Conigrave

Published in: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Introduction and aims

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) around Australia have been asked to standardise screening for unhealthy drinking. Accordingly, screening with the 3-item AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption) tool has become a national key performance indicator. Here we provide an overview of suitability of AUDIT-C and other brief alcohol screening tools for use in ACCHSs.

Methods

All peer-reviewed literature providing original data on validity, acceptability or feasibility of alcohol screening tools among Indigenous Australians was reviewed. Narrative synthesis was used to identify themes and integrate results.

Results

Three screening tools—full AUDIT, AUDIT-3 (third question of AUDIT) and CAGE (Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye-opener) have been validated against other consumption measures, and found to correspond well. Short forms of AUDIT have also been found to compare well with full AUDIT, and were preferred by primary care staff. Help was often required with converting consumption into standard drinks. Researchers commented that AUDIT and its short forms prompted reflection on drinking. Another tool, the Indigenous Risk Impact Screen (IRIS), jointly screens for alcohol, drug and mental health risk, but is relatively long (13 items). IRIS has been validated against dependence scales. AUDIT, IRIS and CAGE have a greater focus on dependence than on hazardous or harmful consumption.

Discussion and conclusions

Detection of unhealthy drinking before harms occur is a goal of screening, so AUDIT-C offers advantages over tools like IRIS or CAGE which focus on dependence. AUDIT-C’s brevity suits integration with general health screening. Further research is needed on facilitating implementation of systematic alcohol screening into Indigenous primary healthcare.
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Metadata
Title
Standardised alcohol screening in primary health care services targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia
Authors
M. Mofizul Islam
Helen T. Oni
K. S. Kylie Lee
Noel Hayman
Scott Wilson
Kristie Harrison
Beth Hummerston
Rowena Ivers
Katherine M. Conigrave
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1940-0640
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-018-0108-2

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