Table 1

Measures of assessing alcohol consumption and ever receiving brief GP advice on/support with reducing consumption

Exposure measure: hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C items22)Outcome measure:
brief GP advice on alcohol consumption
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

  • Never (score 0)

  • At least once a month or less (score 1)

  • 2–4 times per month (score 2)

  • 2–3 times per week (score 3)

  • 4+ times per week (score 4)

  • No answer


2. How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking?

  • 1–2 (score 0)

  • 3–4 (score 1)

  • 5–6 (score 2)

  • 7–9 (score 3)

  • 10+ (score 4)

  • No answer


3. How often have you had six or more units if woman, or eight or more if man, on a single occasion in the last year?

  • Never (score 0)

  • Less than monthly (score 1)

  • Monthly (score 2)

  • Weekly (score 3)

  • Daily or almost daily (score 4)

  • No answer

Has a GP ever asked you about your alcohol consumption and, if so, recommended something to you in this regard?

  1. No, a GP has never asked me about my alcohol consumption.

  2. Yes, a GP has asked me about my alcohol consumption at some point.

  3. Yes, a GP has advised me to drink less at some point.

  4. Yes, a GP has offered me help or support to drink less at some point.

  5. Yes, a GP has advised or helped me to make use of psychological or medical support because of my alcohol consumption at some point.

  6. I do not remember if a GP has ever addressed my alcohol consumption.

  7. No answer.

  • AUDIT-C, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption ; GP, general practitioner.