| dc.description.abstract | Alcohol abuse Is often hidden and unrecognized problem among
seniors. Although the degree of the aged affected by alcohol abuse may not be
extremely high, alcohol consumption appears to be particularly toxic In the
elderly, claiming a very high medical and social toll. For a large number of
elderly, primary care physicians are the most accessible professionals who can
diagnose and treat their drinking problems. However, research Indicates that
physicians are not assuming the role of diagnosing, referring or treating elderly
alcohol abusers with any regularity, effectiveness or enthusiasm. This study
examines the Issue of under-diagnosing of elderly alcohol abuse by primary
care physicians, and. specifically, seeks to answer the question: what are the
causes for the low recognition and treatment rate of elderly alcohol abuse by
primary care physicians?
Twenty-eight primary care physicians practicing in Thunder Bay, Ontario,
were questioned regarding their perceptions of elderly alcohol abuse. Attention
was given to physicians’ subjective assessment of the prevalence. Identification
and treatment rate of elderly alcohol abuse In their own practices. An Important
part of the study was the examination of physicians’ self-perceived attitudes
toward elderly alcohol abuse. The results Indicate that the cause for the low
recognition and treatment rate of elderly alcohol abuse by primary care
physicians Is multifactorial, with many of the factors being Interrelated. The
identified factors are: lack of training on alcohol abuse In medical schools, low
attendance at continuing medical education seminars on alcohol abuse,
negative attitudes toward elderly alcohol abuse, lack of time/large patient load,
and existing treatment programs perceived as non-effective. | |
