Prevalence of Ethanol Consumption May Be Higher in Women Than Men in a University Health Service Population as Determined by a Biochemical Marker

Abstract

Whole Blood-Associated Acetaldehyde Above the 99th Percentile for Teetotalers Men had higher absolute values for WBAA than women (9.9 versus 9.5 µM in the present study). However, significantly greater numbers of women (74%) than men (44%) had WBAA levels above the 99th percentile for teetotalers. Variations occurred during the academic year, with significant elevations occurring in the late fall and winter months. Testing of WBAA levels in a student health service may be important especially for women to facilitate counseling on the dangers of alcohol abuse.