Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages Associated With Physical Health Status in Adults: Secondary Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey Data

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption constitutes one of the main modifiable risk factors that contribute to the increase in the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the state of physical health and its equivalence according to gender. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (n = 3865), collected during 2020 were used. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the fit of the model, which included the prediction of measures of alcohol consumption in physical health and the equivalence of measurements of the proposed structural model in men and women. Results: The proposed structural model reported adequate goodness-of-fit indices (SBχ²/gl = 3.817, CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA [90% CI] = 0.027 [0.016-0.039]; SRMR = 0.016). Frequent alcohol consumption had a negative effect on physical health ( b = −0.13, P < .01). Similarly, occasional alcohol consumption negatively predicted elevated BMI and chronic conditions such as, diabetes, hypertension, CVD, and cancer ( b = −0.09, P < .01). In addition, drinking patterns of alcoholic beverages affect physical health in equal ways for men and women. Conclusion: The findings highlight that frequent and occasional alcohol consumption significantly affected physical health in a negative way. Future interventions could address ways to encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of chronic conditions derived from excessive alcohol consumption.

Relationship Between Satisfaction With Medical Care, Physical Health, and Emotional Well-Being in Adult Men: Mediating Role of Communication

“…26 The sampling design for HINTS has been previously and extensively described. 14 , 26 Participants who provided information on physical health problems and emotional well-being were included.…”

“…This proposed variable has been used in previous HINTS studies from 2014, 2017, and 2020 (see Supplemental Table S1 ). 14 , 31 …”

“…This proposed variable has been used in previous HINTS studies from 2014, 2017, and 2020 (see Supplemental Table S1). 14,31 Emotional well-being: This variable was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4), which combines 2 short 2-item questionnaires for depression and anxiety (see Supplemental Table S2). 34 Respondents were asked how often they were bothered by the following problems in the last 2 weeks: (1) little interest or pleasure in doing things (EW1); (2) feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (EW2); (3) feeling nervous, anxious, or on the edge (EW3); and ( 4) not being able to stop or control worry (EW4).…”

“… 18 There is evidence of the positive effects of communication in patients with chronic physical conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, and mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia. 19 There are several factors that influence people’s physical and mental health 5 , 13 , 14 ; however, there is a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that satisfaction with quality of care derived from effective patient-provider communication may positively influence these conditions. 20 - 22 Effective doctor-patient communication can promote effective information exchange, which is beneficial for patients to obtain health information, make appropriate decisions, and ultimately achieve positive health recovery outcomes.…”

“…11 This is reflected in poor eating habits, including low consumption of fruits and vegetables and increased consumption of saturated fats 12,13 ; in addition to other modifiable risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, tobacco, and alcohol consumption. 5,13,14 Public awareness of the essential role of a gender perspective in men's physical health and emotional well-being is needed as physical and emotional illnesses continue to increase. 15 On the other hand, male patient-centered communication can have a positive impact on physical health and emotional well-being.…”