An inequality in the prevalence of modifiable health risk behaviours for clients of community drug and alcohol services — Agentur Pty Ltd

An inequality in the prevalence of modifiable health risk behaviours for clients of community drug and alcohol services (74)

Danika Tremain 1 2 , Megan Freund 1 2 , Paula Wye 1 2 , Luke Wolfenden 1 2 , Jenny Bowman 1 2 , Adrian Dunlop 1 2 , John Wiggers 1 2
  1. The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, Australia

Background:

Smoking, inadequate nutrition, harmful alcohol consumption and physical inactivity (collectively referred to as SNAP risk factors) are the primary modifiable health risk behaviours contributing to mortality and morbidity in Australia. It is suggested the prevalence of these behaviours are higher in disadvantaged groups. This study examines the prevalence of SNAP risks of Australian drug and alcohol clients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional computer assisted telephone interview was conducted in NSW, Australia of 713 randomly selected clients who had attended an eligible community drug and alcohol service. Clients were asked about their health behaviours, focusing on the SNAP risk factors.

Results/Discussions:

Four hundred and seven (57% consent rate) community drug and alcohol clients completed the survey. Clients reported a relatively high prevalence of smoking (81%), inadequate nutrition (89%), and alcohol consumption (47%) but moderate levels of physical inactivity (28%). Nearly all clients (99%) reported at least one risk factor, 88% reported two, 51% reported three, and 8% reported all four. Client level of risk (e.g. number of alcoholic drinks per day) and willingness to modify their risk behaviours will also be described.

Conclusions/implications:

In comparison to the general population, drug and alcohol clients report a higher prevalence of smoking, inadequate nutrition and harmful alcohol consumption. As such, it is important to address the inequality in the prevalence of SNAP risk factors in people with drug and alcohol problems. One potential strategy is the delivery of preventive care in community drug and alcohol settings. Research should examine how preventive care is currently being provided to community drug and alcohol clients and how such care can be improved.

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