The impact of having a loved one with alcohol consumption-related problems on subjective health status and health-risk behaviors in a general hospital sample

Consecutively admitted inpatients of a general hospital in Northern Germany (N 2903) completed a standardized screening questionnaire in 20052006 containing questions about alcohol consumption-related problems in loved ones, their own alcohol consumption, and other health-related aspects. Almost 26.2 reported having a loved one with alcohol consumption-related problems. The proportions of smokers and those who screened positively for at-risk consumption or alcohol abuse were significantly higher in those patients; they were significantly younger and reported worse overall states of health and emotional health. Since those patients showed a high risk of numerous health problems, psychological interventions were implemented. The study's limitation noted.