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ABSTRACT: Objective
In this study of newly incident drinkers (NIDs), we (a) investigate and calibrate measurement equivalence of 7 clinical features of an alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) across sex and age-of-onset subgroups and (b) estimate female-male differences in ADS levels soon after taking the first full drink, with focus on those with first full drink before the 24th birthday.Methods
The study population is 12- to 23-year-old NIDs living in the United States (n = 33,561). Calibrated for measurement equivalence, male-female differences in levels of newly incident ADS are estimated for 6 age-of-onset subgroups.Results
Measurement equivalence is achieved by dropping the "difficulty cutting down" item. Then, among early-adolescent-onset NID, females have higher ADS levels (for 12- to 13-year-old NID: β = .25; 95% CI [0.05, 0.45]). In contrast, when drinking onset is delayed to adulthood, males have higher ADS levels (e.g., for 18- to 19-year-old NID: β = -.27; 95% CI [-0.52, -0.02]; for 20- to 21-year-old NID: β = -.38; 95% CI [-0.65, -0.12]).Conclusions
In the United States, there is female excess in ADS levels measured soon after drinking onset in early adolescence. The traditional male excess is seen when drinking onset occurs after mid-adolescence. Evidence from other countries will be useful.
SUBMITTER: Cheng HG
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6744833 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Cheng Hui G HG Anthony James C JC
International journal of methods in psychiatric research 20180509 3
<h4>Objective</h4>In this study of newly incident drinkers (NIDs), we (a) investigate and calibrate measurement equivalence of 7 clinical features of an alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) across sex and age-of-onset subgroups and (b) estimate female-male differences in ADS levels soon after taking the first full drink, with focus on those with first full drink before the 24th birthday.<h4>Methods</h4>The study population is 12- to 23-year-old NIDs living in the United States (n = 33,561). Calibra ...[more]