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Screening for Problem Drinkers in a General Population Survey in Spain by Use of the CAGE Scale:
F. Javier Alvarez, M. Carmen Del Rio
The CAGE scale has been used as a screening device for problem drinkers in a general population survey. The study was conducted in the fall of 1992 on 2,500 individuals, aged 14-70 years, who live in the region of Castile and Leon (Spain). Alcohol was consumed at least once a week by 51.3% of those surveyed. A total of 136 drinkers (10.6% of weekly drinkers, 5.4% of total sample) had positive CAGE scores, as determined by two or more affirmative answers, 120 men (14.3%) and 16 women (3.6%). Those with CAGE positive scores consumed a daily mean of 57.5 grams of pure alcohol per day. The utility of the CAGE scale in a general population survey and the difficulties in applying it are discussed. (J. Stud. Alcohol 55: 471-474, 1994)
