Date of Award

1-1-2016

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Becca Levy

Second Advisor

Joan Monin

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a problem for older veterans. This study examines whether positive age stereotypes may be associated with lower prevalence of alcohol use disorder in this group. Prevalence estimates of demographic and military characteristics were analyzed by Alcohol Use Disorder status and age group. The cohort consisted of participants in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, that assesses AUD DSM5 symptoms was used to measure AUD prevalence, number of symptoms, an alcohol consumption subscore, and an alcohol consequences subscore. Positive age stereotypes were associated with lower levels of all four measures. Stratified analysis showed that to be true for the baby boomer age group, but not for the younger age group. Interaction analyses yielded a significant interaction between age group and age stereotypes for all outcomes. It was found that the older group had prevalence estimates of AUD that were as high as the younger cohort. Aging individuals require screening for AUD as younger individuals. Also, improving age stereotypes may be a preventative measure for late onset AUD.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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