Prevalence of hazardous drinking and suspected alcohol dependence in Japanese primary care settings

Objective We aimed to assess the prevalence of hazardous drinking and potential alcohol dependence among Japanese primary care patients, and their readiness to change and awareness of others' concerns. Methods From July to August 2023, we conducted a multi-site cross-sectional study as a screening survey for participants in a cluster randomized controlled trial. The trial included outpatients aged 20–74 from primary care clinics. Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) alongside a self-administered questionnaire, we evaluated the prevalence of hazardous drinking and suspected alcohol dependence, patients' readiness to change, and their awareness of others' concerns. Results Among the 1388 participants from 18 clinics, 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20% to 24%) were identified as engaging in hazardous drinking or suspected of being alcohol dependent. As the AUDIT scores increased, so did their readiness to change. However, only 22% (95%CI: 16% to 28%) of those with scores ranging from 8 to 14 reported that others, including physicians, had expressed concerns about their drinking during the past year. For those with scores of 15 or higher, the figure was 74%. Conclusions This study underscores the need for universal or high-risk alcohol screening and brief intervention in Japanese primary care settings.Trial registryUMIN-CTR (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/) (UMIN000051388).