Einstellungen von hausärzten zum thema frühinterventionen bei alkoholproblemen

Aim: This study evaluates attitudes of general practitioners and internists toward early interventions for patients with alcohol problems. Methods: 209 general practitioners and internists in the Lübeck area were asked via a postal questionnaire their opinions about patients with alcohol problems and interventions for alcohol problems. Results: The response rate was 51.67% (n = 108). The main obstacle named to using early interventions was a lack of time. Only 14% of the physicians regularly screened for alcohol problems. The patient's request for a health consultation represented the largest incentive for conducting early interventions. A number of factors affected physicians' attitudes, e.g. age. Discussion: The results clearly show that at present early interventions are not yet comprehensively used with patients with alcohol problems.