Factors Associated with Self-Estimated Breath Alcohol Concentration Among Bar Patrons.
Academic Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
Other
View All
Overview
abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the context in which drinkers underestimate their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in natural drinking environments. This study examined factors associated with bar patrons' self-estimated BrAC in high-risk college town settings. METHODS: Guided interview and BrAC data were collected from 510 participants recruited as they exited bars located close to large universities: 1 in Florida and 1 in Texas. RESULTS: Participants with the highest measured BrACs underestimated their BrAC levels the most. Findings from multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that BrAC (std =0.014, p<0.001), number of alcoholic drinks consumed (std =0.006, p<0.01), and perceived drunkenness (std =0.024, p<0.001) had significant positive associations with BrAC self-estimates, where the regression coefficients were scaled by values approximately equal to each variable's interquartile range. Among the 321 participants with BrAC levels0.08g/dl, 21.2% believed their BrAC was below the legal per se driving limit of 0.08g/dl. Results from a logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived drunkenness were associated with better self-recognition that one's BrAC level exceeded the legal driving threshold (OR=3.312, p<0.001). Further, participants under 26years of age had reduced odds of recognizing that their BrAC was greater than 0.079g/dl (OR=0.245, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the inaccuracy of self-estimated BrAC when drinking, particularly among younger drinkers. Adjusting for BrAC, situational factors were strongly associated with self-estimated BrAC. Future research is needed to better understand how altering drinking environments may improve accuracy of BrAC self-estimates and deter driving after drinking.
Rossheim, M. E., Barry, A. E., Thombs, D. L., Weiler, R. M., Krall, J. R., Stephenson, C. J., ... Cannell, M. B.
citation count
9
complete list of authors
Rossheim, Matthew E||Barry, Adam E||Thombs, Dennis L||Weiler, Robert M||Krall, Jenna R||Stephenson, Caroline J||Walters, Scott T||Reed, Mark B||Clapp, John D||Suzuki, Sumihiro||Barnett, Tracey E||Cannell, M Brad
