Screening Tools for Alcohol Use Disorder Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Purpose: As the number of older adults increases, the volume of alcohol-related problems among the older adult population also rises. The purpose of the current scoping review was to summarize and disseminate research findings related to screening for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in older adults (aged >= 60 years) and determine if research gaps exist in the current literature. Method: The concepts of older adults, screening tools, AUD, and instrument evaluation were searched in Medline, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL. After eligibility criteria were established, screening was completed using Covidence software. Data extracted from each study included the instrument used, method of evaluation, and findings. Results: Seven studies remained after screening. None of the studies took place in the United States. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and related variations were used most often and were found to be adequate for detecting at-risk drinking among older adults. In addition, some studies suggested lower screening limits for older adults. Conclusion: As the percentage of older adults engaging in risky or hazardous drinking patterns grows, there is an increased need for AUD screening using a reliable tool. Current research is limited; more research is needed regarding which tools perform best in various settings, as well as how to interpret instrument results for older adults.