Alcohol Drinking in College, Alcohol Intolerance, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) Deficiency
Conditions
Keywords
ALDH2, rs671, ALDH2 deficiency, Genetic Testing, health education, drinking behavior, East Asian population, college students
Brief summary
Alcohol intolerance is common in East Asian populations and is strongly influenced by the rs671 variant in the ALDH2 gene. This study examined the associations of ALDH2 genotype with drinking behavior and alcohol-related reactions among Taiwanese university students. Participants with previous alcohol exposure underwent rs671 genotyping and received their individual genotype results together with the same standardized health education materials about alcohol intolerance and related health risks. Drinking behavior, knowledge, and attitudes were assessed before and one month after the intervention. The study also evaluated whether facial flushing and rapid heartbeat could help identify ALDH2 deficiency. Changes over the one-month period were evaluated overall and by genotype group.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALIndividual ALDH2 Genotype Feedback
Participants underwent ALDH2 rs671 genotyping and received an individual report indicating their rs671 genotype (GG, GA, or AA) and corresponding ALDH2 metabolic status. No individualized health education was provided based on genotype.
BEHAVIORALStandardized Alcohol Health Education
All participants received the same standardized health education materials concerning alcohol metabolism, symptoms of alcohol intolerance, and health risks associated with alcohol use and ALDH2 deficiency. The educational content was not individualized according to genotype.
Sponsors
National Taiwan University Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This was a single-group, nonrandomized pre-post study. All participants underwent ALDH2 rs671 genotyping, received their individual genotype results and the same standardized health education materials, and completed assessments at baseline and one month after the intervention. Genotype groups were analyzed as naturally occurring subgroups and were not assigned as separate intervention arms.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Currently enrolled as a student at National Taiwan University * Aged 18 to 65 years
Exclusion criteria
* None
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change From Baseline in Drinking Frequency at One Month | Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education | Drinking frequency was assessed using a study-specific questionnaire with ordinal response categories reflecting the number of drinking occasions per month. The change score was calculated from the baseline and one-month responses according to the prespecified questionnaire coding. |
| Change From Baseline in Alcohol Consumption per Drinking Occasion at One Month | Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education | Alcohol consumption per drinking occasion was assessed using ordinal categories of 1-2, 3-4, or 5 or more alcohol units. One alcohol unit was calculated as \[beverage volume (mL) × alcohol by volume (%)\]/1000. The change score was calculated from the baseline and one-month responses. |
| Change From Baseline in Drinking Attitude Score at One Month | Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education | Attitudes toward drinking were assessed using six study-specific statements rated on a five-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Items were coded according to the prespecified scoring method and summed to produce a total attitude score, with higher scores indicating healthier attitudes toward alcohol use. |
| Change From Baseline in Alcohol Intolerance Knowledge Score at One Month | Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education | Knowledge was assessed using a study-specific questionnaire covering alcohol metabolism, symptoms of alcohol intolerance, related health risks, diagnosis, treatment, and prevalence. The total score was calculated from correct responses, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge. |
Countries
Taiwan
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORPo-Hsiu Kuo, PhD
National Taiwan University
Outcome results
None listed