Understanding the hangover experience in Canadian adults: A latent class analysis of hangover symptom patterns and their alcohol-related correlates

Abstract

Aim: Given the ubiquitous nature of hangover experience among drinkers, this study aimed to profile hangover experience in terms of the number and patterns of past year symptoms. Methods: Current drinkers in Canada (n = 565) recruited through zoompanel were asked about 13 past year hangover symptoms. These were explored through correlation with alcohol consumption, problems, treatment and other factors. Findings: Increased number of symptoms were associated with higher Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) problem score, perceived harm from drinking, younger age and flushing/blushing when drinking (Mean = 3.3 symptoms). Four patterns were found from latent class analysis; class 4 (43%) no symptoms; class 3 (13%) thirst, tiredness, headache, nausea and vomiting; class 2 (22%) thirst, tiredness and headache; and class 1 (21%) wide range. Class 1 was characterised by blushing when drinking, higher perceived harm and attempts to reduce drinking due to hangovers. Classes 1–3 were associated with heavier consumption; only class 3 compared with class 4 had lower drinking refusal self-efficacy. Conclusions: higher alcohol consumption and lower drinking refusal self-efficacy relate to more symptoms; however, a group with variable alcohol consumption did not experience hangovers. The link between problems, treatment and hangover was not clear from patterns of symptoms; symptom severity may be worth further investigation.

Keywords:

• Hangover
• alcohol consumption
• Hangover Symptoms Scale
• latent class analysis
• alcohol problems
• alcohol hangover
• hangover experience
• Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

Declaration of interest

This research was supported from funds attached to J.A.C.’s Canada Research Chair in Brief Interventions for Addictive Behaviours.