Date of Award

1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Pamela Nickels

Second Advisor

Betty LeMasters

Third Advisor

Marilyn Patterson

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to examine the problem of alcohol abuse in the elderly, to look at the physician's understanding, detection, and treatment of this subject, and to gain knowledge regarding the older adult's view of this problem, and the willingness of these adults to discuss it openly with health professionals.

The methodology employed in this research project was qualitative. Information was obtained from both physicians and older adults through brief questionnaires. The sample consisted of 61 physicians and 47 older adults.

Findings suggest that physicians may be deficient in the knowledge needed to detect and treat alcohol abuse in the elderly. Findings also indicate that older adults may not be wi11ing or interested in discussing this topic with physicians or anyone else.

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