Co-Morbid Alcohol Use Disorders and Overweight/Obesity: A Qualitative Study
Document Type
Presentation
Presentation Date
11-7-2017
Abstract or Description
Background: Addiction is commonplace in the US with over 17 million adults in the US qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (NIAAA, 2004). Alcohol abuse leads to many negative health outcomes including injury and trauma, liver disease, malnutrition, and cancer (Ahmed, 1995; Kolarzyk, Olas, Janik, Adamska-Skula, & Pach, 1999). Cutting edge research has suggested a strong relationship between alcoholism and obesity (Grucza, Krueger, Racette, Norberg, Hipp, &Bierut, 2010). Little to nothing is known about interventions that could address the dual chronic conditions of alcoholism and obesity, especially in rural environments (Brower, 2006; Grucza et al., 2010; O’Brien, 2003).
Methods: The purpose of this study was to conduct formative, qualitative research with individuals who self-reported co-morbid alcohol use disorder and overweight or obese and key informants (i.e., service providers) to inform the development of a community based intervention to address co-morbid alcoholism and overweight/obesity among young adults. This study represents the first step in the adaptation process that will be used to develop and test an intervention designed to help young adults struggling with alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. A total of 6 key informant’s interviews and 10 individual interviews were conducted with individuals with co-morbid alcohol use disorder and overweight/obesity.
Results: Results from this study have increased understanding of the relationship between alcoholism and obesity among a unique, at risk population. Furthermore, it helped to identify potential components that could be used to augment the CDSMP program to address alcohol use disorders and overweight/obesity.
Conclusions: Evidence-based interventions are need to address co-morbid alcohol use disorders and overweight/obesity. This study represents the first step in meeting the needs of this unique, at risk population.
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting (APHA)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Recommended Citation
Alfonso, Moya L., Emily Eisenhart, Gemma C. Skuraton, Daniella R. Williams.
2017.
"Co-Morbid Alcohol Use Disorders and Overweight/Obesity: A Qualitative Study."
Department of Health Policy and Community Health Faculty Presentations.
Presentation 1.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/hpmb-facpres/1
