Economics Faculty Database
Economics
Arts & Sciences
Duke University

 HOME > Arts & Sciences > Economics > Faculty    Search Help Login pdf version printable version 

Publications [#328240] of Frank A. Sloan

Journal Articles

  1. Pogue, YZ; Hakes, JK; Sloan, FA, Is Major Depression Linked to Alcohol-Impaired Driving?, Substance use & misuse, vol. 52 no. 14 (December, 2017), pp. 1871-1882 [doi]
    (last updated on 2024/03/28)

    Abstract:

    Background

    Alcohol-impaired driving causes a substantial proportion of motor vehicle accidents. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder among drinker-drivers. Few previous studies have investigated the relationship between major depression and alcohol-impaired driving.

    Objectives

    We investigated whether depression has a positive relationship with the probability of alcohol-impaired driving after controlling for the co-occurrence of binge drinking and alcohol dependence.

    Methods

    Our data consisted of drinkers aged 21-64 years from two waves of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Cross-sectional analysis investigated whether depression is an independent risk factor for drinking-driving. Longitudinal analysis distinguished the relationship of depression onset, continuance, and recovery with changes in drinking-driving behaviors between the waves. These dual approaches allowed comparisons with previous studies.

    Results

    Major depression was a small but statistically significant predictor of changes in alcohol-impaired driving behaviors among males but not females. Binge drinking and alcohol dependence were comparatively stronger predictors. Conclusions/Importance: There is limited empirical support that treating depression reduces drinking and driving in males who do not exhibit symptoms of alcohol use disorders. For persons with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorders, depression treatment should be part of a strategy for treating alcohol use disorders which are highly related to drinking and driving.

Duke University * Arts & Sciences * Economics * Faculty * Research * Staff * Master's * Ph.D. * Reload * Login