Alcohol consumption in early middle-aged Australian women and access to primary healthcare services: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background and objectives: This study describes the prevalence of risky alcohol consumption in Australian women aged 40-45 years. It explores the relationship between demographic factors and access to and usage of primary healthcare services.

Method: Data were obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, Survey 8 (1973-78 cohort). Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression were used to assess associations of specific factors with risky alcohol consumption.

Results: Eleven per cent of respondents reported drinking >10 standard drinks per week. These 'risky alcohol drinkers' attend general practice as frequently as low-risk drinkers despite perceived poorer health. They reported 'rarely or never' seeing the same general practitioner (GP) and described themselves as having 'poor' access to a GP that bulk bills.

Discussion: This study provides unique insight into the primary healthcare attendance patterns and health status of early middle-aged Australian women who are 'risky alcohol drinkers'. They do not consistently see the same GP, which might present challenges in identifying them in primary care.