Multinomial Logistic Regression Model of Demographic Predictors and Confounders of Binge Alcohol Use among Adults with Major Depression

Identifying sociodemographic populations with a major depressive episode (MDE) who are at increased risk for binge alcohol use (BAU) is critical for developing focused prevention programs to meet the particular needs of each population. Thus, the goal of the current exploratory retrospective study is to examine sex, race, age, education, marital status, and income as risk predictors for BAU among adults with MDE; and if the risk for BAU changes after adjusting for demographic confounders. To achieve the study goal, data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2018 National Survey for Drug Use and Health were extracted and analyzed. The unweighted sample included 6,999 adults representing a weighted population size of 33,900,452.122 in the US. Results revealed that age and marital status significantly predicted BAU in the past month among adults with MDE. Adults under the age of 50, with a college degree, never married, divorced/separated, and with a high-middle income level or higher were at higher risk for BAU. The study's clinical implications are that understanding demographics of individuals with MDE at increased risk for BAU can inform improved tailored assessment and treatment of alcohol abuse and MDE among at-risk populations. Future research should consider examining additional potential risk factors for BAU among adults with MDE.