Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) reduces craving in smokers with severe cardiovascular comorbidities without interference in anthropometric measures / Chocolate amargo (70% cacau) reduz fissura em tabagistas com comorbidades cardiovasculares graves sem interferir nas medidas antropométricas

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze craving in smokers with cardiovascular comorbidities submitted to a nutritional approach. Methods: Two groups were randomized and submitted to clinical intervention (n = 32): Group 1 (G1, n = 15): ingested 40 g of chocolate containing 70% cocoa/day and behavioral intervention for smoking cessation for one month; Group 2 (G2, n = 17): control group, only behavioral intervention. Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief) - Brazil version measured total craving and its factors. Anthropometric measurements verified the nutritional interference of the procedure and the serum assessment verified the interference of inflammatory processes related to smoking. The study was registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-83jr3. Results: After one month, compared to the initial evaluation, the G1 reduced the craving evaluated by the QSU-Brief and its Factors 1 and 2. Total QSU-Brief: 44.27 ± 15.82 x 27.00 ± 18.03 (p = 0.008); Factor 1: 21.90 ± 7.70 x 12.90 ± 8.87 (p = 0.006); Factor 2: 11.90 ± 6.30 x 7.00 ± 6.63 (0.007). G2 showed a reduction in total QSU-Brief and Factor 1, but not in Factor 2. QSU-Brief total 28.17 ± 17.24 x 19.52 ± 9.50 (p = 0.049); Factor 1: 14.47 ± 8.74 x 9.23 ± 6.11 (p = 0.046). Serum levels of cortisol, leptin, serotonin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and insulin did not show differences (p > 0.05). No anthropometric differences were found. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that daily consumption of chocolate for one month (70%) reduced craving in smokers at the beginning of treatment. Chocolate potentiated the well-known effect of behavioral counseling on Factor 1 (pleasurable drug effects) and also interfered with factor 2 (unpleasant withdrawal effects).

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o craving em fumantes com comorbidades cardiovasculares submetidos a uma abordagem nutricional. Métodos: Intervenção clínica (n = 32) com dois grupos randomizados: Grupo 1 (G1, n = 15): recebendo 40 g de chocolate contendo 70% de cacau/dia e intervenção comportamental para cessação do tabagismo por um mês; Grupo 2 (G2, n = 17): grupo controle, recebendo apenas intervenção comportamental pelo mesmo período. O Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief) - versão Brasil foi utilizado para avaliar o craving. As medidas antropométricas verificaram a interferência nutricional do procedimento e a avaliação sérica, a interferência de processos inflamatórios relacionados ao tabagismo. O estudo foi registrado no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), RBR-83jr3. Resultados: Um mês depois, comparado à avaliação inicial, o G1 reduziu o craving total e seus fatores (1 e 2). QSU-Brief total: 44,27 ± 15,82 x 27,00 ± 18,03 (p = 0,008); Fator 1: 21,90 ± 7,70 x 12,90 ± 8,87 (p = 0,006); Fator 2: 11,90 ± 6,30 x 7,00 ± 6,63 (0,007). G2: redução no QSU-Brief total e Fator 1, mas não no Fator 2. QSU-Brief total 28,17 ± 17,24 x 19,52 ± 9,50 (p = 0,049); Fator 1: 14,47 ± 8,74 x 9,23 ± 6,11 (p = 0,046). Níveis séricos de cortisol, leptina, serotonina, proteína C-reativa (PCR) e insulina não apresentaram diferenças (p > 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças antropométricas significativas. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram que o consumo diário de chocolate por um mês (70%) reduziu o craving em fumantes no início do tratamento. O chocolate potencializou o conhecido efeito do aconselhamento comportamental sobre o Fator 1 (efeitos prazerosos da droga) e também interferiu no fator 2 (efeitos desagradáveis da abstinência).

Estudo da Atitude diante do Paciente Alcoolista e do Conhecimento sobre Alcoolismo em função do Padrão de Beber de Estudantes de Medicina / A study of the behaviour of medical students towards alcoholic patients as a result of their knowledge and self drinking patterns

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a atitude frente ao paciente alcoolista e o conhecimento sobre uso do álcool do estudante de Medicina em função do seu padrão de beber. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes matriculados no terceiro, sexto e décimo primeiro período dos cursos de Medicina de três universidades federais da Região Sudeste do Brasil (UFF, UFJF e Unifesp). Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e aplicadas escalas de avaliação da atitude médica diante do paciente alcoolista. Os dados foram complementados por uma avaliação do conteúdo científico sobre alcoolismo e pelo Audit para avaliar o padrão de ingestão de álcool dos alunos. Resultados Participaram do estudo 371 estudantes. Os consumidores de bebidas alcoólicas no padrão binge representaram 60,4% (n = 223), e 113 estudantes (30,7%) apresentaram comportamento de risco para o consumo de álcool (Audit ≥ 8). O padrão de consumo alcoólico não diferiu entre as universidades e nem entre os períodos avaliados (Kruskal Wallis, p > 0,05). Os alunos das três universidades aumentaram a pontuação na escala de conhecimentos com o progredir do curso. Entretanto, não houve correlação significativa entre conhecimento e padrão de beber (Spearman > 0,05). Quanto à atitude, foi observado que já é satisfatória no terceiro período e melhora no sexto período. Exceção foi observada entre os alunos da Unifesp, que já apresentaram atitude positiva quase máxima no terceiro período e que foi mantida até o final do curso. Conclusão Embora a atitude dos alunos melhore ao longo do curso, assim como seu conhecimento sobre adição a substâncias, o comportamento de beber permanece o mesmo, sem correlação com os conhecimentos transmitidos a respeito dos riscos de beber.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the attitude toward the alcoholic patient and the knowledge about the use of alcohol by the medical student according to his drinking pattern. Method It was a cross-sectional study involving at random selected students enrolled on the third, sixth and eleventh semester in three federal universities of southeastern Brazil (UFF, UFJF and Unifesp). Method Sociodemographic data were collected and the following instruments were applied: attitude evaluation scale, knowledge of scientific information scale on alcohol and management of the alcoholic patient and Audit for evaluation of alcohol problems. Results The study included 371 students. Alcohol users in the binge pattern accounted for 60.4% (n = 223) and 113 students (30.7%) presented a risk behavior for alcohol consumption (Audit ≥ 8). The alcohol consumption pattern did not differ between the universities nor between the evaluated periods (Kruskal Wallis, p > 0.05). Students from the three universities increased the score on the knowledge scale as the course progressed. However, there was no significant correlation between knowledge and drinking pattern (Spearman > 0.05). As for the attitude, it was observed that it is already satisfactory in the third period and improvement in the sixth period. Exception was observed among the students of Unifesp, who already presented near positive attitude in the third period that was maintained until the end of the course. Conclusion Although the university increases knowledge of risk problems of drinking this does not protect students of binge drinking. On the other hand, student's positive attitude towards alcoholic patients improves over the course, regardless of drinking and the acquired scientific knowledge.

Comparison of two smoking cessation interventions for inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral therapy-based smoking cessation interventions initiated during hospitalization and to evaluate the factors related to relapse after discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study involving 90 smokers hospitalized in a university hospital. We collected data related to sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for admission, smoking-related diseases, smoking history, the degree of nicotine dependence (ND), and the level of craving. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: brief intervention (BrInter, n = 45); and intensive intervention with presentation of an educational video (InInterV, n=45). To assess relapse, all patients were assessed by telephone interview in the first, third, and sixth months after discharge. Abstinence was confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO). RESULTS: Of the 90 patients evaluated, 55 (61.1%) were male. The mean age was 51.1 ± 12.2 years. The degree of ND was elevated in 39 (43.4%), and withdrawal symptoms were present in 53 (58.9%). The mean eCO at baseline was 4.8 ± 4.5 ppm. The eCO correlated positively with the degree of ND (r = 0.244; p = 0.02) and negatively with the number of smoke-free days (r = -0.284; p = 0.006). There were no differences between the groups in terms of the variables related to socioeconomic status, smoking history, or hospitalization. Of the 81 patients evaluated at 6 months, 33 (40.7%) remained abstinent (9 and 24 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p = 0.001), and 48 (59.3%) had relapsed (31 and 17 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p= 0.001). Moderate or intense craving was a significant independent risk factor for relapse, with a relative risk of 4.0 (95% CI: 1.5-10.7; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of an educational video proved effective in reducing relapse rates. Craving is a significant risk factor for relapse.

Comparison of two smoking cessation interventions for inpatients / Comparação de duas intervenções de cessação do tabagismo em pacientes internados

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral therapy-based smoking cessation interventions initiated during hospitalization and to evaluate the factors related to relapse after discharge. Methods: This was a prospective randomized study involving 90 smokers hospitalized in a university hospital. We collected data related to sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for admission, smoking-related diseases, smoking history, the degree of nicotine dependence (ND), and the level of craving. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: brief intervention (BrInter, n = 45); and intensive intervention with presentation of an educational video (InInterV, n=45). To assess relapse, all patients were assessed by telephone interview in the first, third, and sixth months after discharge. Abstinence was confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO). Results: Of the 90 patients evaluated, 55 (61.1%) were male. The mean age was 51.1 ± 12.2 years. The degree of ND was elevated in 39 (43.4%), and withdrawal symptoms were present in 53 (58.9%). The mean eCO at baseline was 4.8 ± 4.5 ppm. The eCO correlated positively with the degree of ND (r = 0.244; p = 0.02) and negatively with the number of smoke-free days (r = −0.284; p = 0.006). There were no differences between the groups in terms of the variables related to socioeconomic status, smoking history, or hospitalization. Of the 81 patients evaluated at 6 months, 33 (40.7%) remained abstinent (9 and 24 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p = 0.001), and 48 (59.3%) had relapsed (31 and 17 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p= 0.001). Moderate or intense craving was a significant independent risk factor for relapse, with a relative risk of 4.0 (95% CI: 1.5-10.7; p < 0.00001). Conclusions: The inclusion of an educational video proved effective in reducing relapse rates. Craving is a significant risk factor for relapse.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia de duas intervenções de cessação de tabagismo baseadas na terapia cognitivo-comportamental em pacientes internados e avaliar os fatores relacionados à recaída após a alta hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, com 90 tabagistas internados em um hospital universitário. Foram coletados dados relacionados a características sociodemográficas, motivo da internação, doenças relacionadas ao tabagismo, carga tabágica, grau de dependência de nicotina (DN) e grau de fissura. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos de tratamento: intervenção breve (InB; n = 45) e intervenção intensiva com apresentação de um vídeo educativo (InIV; n = 45). Para avaliar recaídas, todos os pacientes foram entrevistados por contato telefônico no primeiro, terceiro e sexto mês após a alta. A abstinência foi confirmada pela medida de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado (COex). Resultados: Dos 90 pacientes avaliados, 55 (61,1%) eram homens. A média de idade foi de 51,1 ± 12,2 anos. O grau de DN foi elevado em 39 (43,4%), e sintomas de abstinência estavam presentes em 53 (58,9%). A média de COex inicial foi de 4,8 ± 4,5 ppm. O COex se correlacionou positivamente com o grau de DN (r = 0,244; p = 0,02) e negativamente com o número de dias sem fumar (r = −0,284; p = 0,006). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto a variáveis relacionadas com nível socioeconômico, carga tabágica ou internação. Dos 81 pacientes avaliados após 6 meses de segmento, 33 (40,7%) continuaram abstinentes (9 e 24 nos grupos InB e InIV, respectivamente; p = 0,001) e 48 (59,3%) recaíram (31 e 17 nos grupos InB e InIV, respectivamente; p = 0,001). O grau de fissura (moderado ou intenso) foi um fator de risco independente significativo para a recaída, com um risco relativo de 4,0 (IC95%: 1,5-10,7; p < 0,00001). Conclusões: A inclusão de um vídeo educativo provou ser eficaz na redução das taxas de recaída. O grau de fissura foi um fator de risco significativo para a recaída.

Relationship between Visual Impairment, Insomnia, Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms among Russian Immigrants.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between visual impairment and insomnia symptoms in elderly populations. The purpose of this study was to ascertain associations between self-reported visual impairments and insomnia symptoms in a community-based sample of Russian immigrants. METHOD: Sample consisted of 307 community-residing Russians (ages: 25-95 years, mean=72.64 ± 9.62; women=54% and men=46%). Semi-structured interviews assessed health-care needs and physical health characteristics. Collected demographic and health-related data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: Overall, 93% reported at least one of several major health problems: visual impairment (48.4%), hypertension (53%), diabetes (25.7%), arthritis (52.8%), cancer (10.5%), weight problems (34.1%), and anxiety/depressive symptoms (43%), 62% had an insomnia diagnosis. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with visual impairment were nearly three times as likely as those without to report insomnia symptoms [OR = 2.73, p < 0.01; 95% CI = 1.68-4.48]. Adjusting for the presence of socio demographic variables reduced the odds to 2.68; further adjustment for social isolation and anxiety and depressed symptoms reduced the odds to 2.20.Anxiety/depression mediated the relationship between visual impairment and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Individuals with visual impairment have twice the odds of reporting insomnia independent of anxiety/depression and social isolation, two common problems affecting quality of life in that population.

Smoking among inpatients at a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of smoking among inpatients at a university hospital, as well as to evaluate their motivation, interest, and need for help in quitting smoking. METHODS: A prospective study involving inpatients treated between May of 2008 and April of 2009 on the cardiovascular disease wards at the Antonio Pedro University Hospital, located in the city of Niterói, Brazil. All inpatients were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to collect data regarding demographics, reasons for admission, and smoking status. The smokers also responded to additional questions regarding their smoking habits. The level of nicotine dependence was determined with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. RESULTS: Of the 136 inpatients who participated in the study, 68 (50.0%) were male. The mean age was 60.7 years. The prevalence of smoking was 13.2%. Among the 49 patients with coronary disease, 36 (73.5%) were smokers or former smokers. The majority of the patients presented with a high level of nicotine dependence and reported withdrawal symptoms during hospitalization. Although most smokers were motivated to quit smoking, they admitted that they needed help to do so. CONCLUSIONS: Because smoking is forbidden in the hospital environment and most inpatients who smoke are highly motivated to quit, health professionals should view the hospitalization period as an opportunity to promote smoking cessation.

Tabagismo em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário / Smoking among inpatients at a university hospital

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e as características de tabagismo em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário e investigar sua motivação, interesse e necessidade de ajuda para parar de fumar. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de pacientes internados nas enfermarias de cardiologia do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, localizado em Niterói (RJ), entre maio de 2008 e abril de 2009. Foi administrado um questionário contendo perguntas sobre dados demográficos, motivo de internação e sua condição em relação ao hábito tabágico. Os pacientes tabagistas responderam perguntas adicionais sobre o hábito de fumar. A avaliação da dependência de nicotina foi realizada com o Teste Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina. RESULTADOS: Dos 136 pacientes internados que participaram do estudo, 68 (50,0 por cento) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 60,7 anos. A prevalência de tabagismo foi de 13,2 por cento. Dos 49 pacientes internados com diagnóstico de doença coronariana, 36 (73,5 por cento) eram fumantes ou ex-fumantes. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou elevado grau de dependência à nicotina e relatou sintomas de abstinência durante a internação. Apesar de estarem motivados para parar de fumar, os pacientes relataram necessidade de ajuda para abandonar o tabagismo. CONCLUSÕES: Devido à restrição do ato de fumar em ambiente hospitalar e à elevada motivação dos pacientes, deve-se aproveitar o momento da internação para promover a cessação do tabagismo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of smoking among inpatients at a university hospital, as well as to evaluate their motivation, interest, and need for help in quitting smoking. METHODS: A prospective study involving inpatients treated between May of 2008 and April of 2009 on the cardiovascular disease wards at the Antonio Pedro University Hospital, located in the city of Niterói, Brazil. All inpatients were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to collect data regarding demographics, reasons for admission, and smoking status. The smokers also responded to additional questions regarding their smoking habits. The level of nicotine dependence was determined with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. RESULTS: Of the 136 inpatients who participated in the study, 68 (50.0 percent) were male. The mean age was 60.7 years. The prevalence of smoking was 13.2 percent. Among the 49 patients with coronary disease, 36 (73.5 percent) were smokers or former smokers. The majority of the patients presented with a high level of nicotine dependence and reported withdrawal symptoms during hospitalization. Although most smokers were motivated to quit smoking, they admitted that they needed help to do so. CONCLUSIONS: Because smoking is forbidden in the hospital environment and most inpatients who smoke are highly motivated to quit, health professionals should view the hospitalization period as an opportunity to promote smoking cessation.

[Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in juvenile offenders in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil)]. / Prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos em jovens infratores na cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brasil): estudo de gênero e relação com a gravidade do delito.

The prevalence of juvenile offenders in Brazil, mainly among young females, is on the increase. The literature on this issue indicates an increased incidence of mental disorders among young offenders in several countries, though studies in Brazil are lacking. The aim of this article is to study the prevalence of mental disorders in adolescents from a socio-educational standpoint, taking as a hypothesis the gender difference and the type of offense committed. The instrument used was the K-SADS-PL. As results, we found a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among juvenile offenders, the most common being: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (33.3%); behavioral disorder (77%); oppositional defiant disorder (50%), anxiety disorders (70%), depressive disorder (50%), illicit drug abuse/dependence (70%), and alcohol abuse/dependence (52%). Alcohol abuse/dependence caused a 2.4-fold increase in the probability of adolescents committing a violent offence. Public health authorities should concentrate on early diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in childhood to reduce future violations. It is also suggested that mental health treatment of detained juveniles should be a fundamental part of the recuperation and reintegration of young offenders into society.

Prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos em jovens infratores na cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brasil): estudo de gênero e relação com a gravidade do delito / Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in juvenile offenders in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil)

Cresce no Brasil a prevalência de jovens infratores, principalmente do gênero feminino. A literatura aponta para prevalências aumentadas de transtornos mentais entre esses jovens em vários países, mas no Brasil faltam estudos. O objetivo é avaliar a prevalência de transtornos mentais em adolescentes sob medida socioeducativa, considerando como hipótese sua diferença entre gêneros com base no tipo de delito cometido. O instrumento usado foi o K-SADS-PL. Como resultados, alta prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos entre adolescentes infratores, sendo os mais prevalentes: transtorno de déficit de atenção com hiperatividade (33 por cento), transtorno da conduta (77 por cento), transtorno desafiador opositivo (50 por cento), transtornos de ansiedade (70 por cento), transtorno depressivo (50 por cento), abuso de drogas ilícitas (70 por cento) e abuso de álcool (52 por cento). O abuso de álcool aumentou em 2,4 vezes a chance de um adolescente cometer delito violento. Esses dados sugerem às autoridades em saúde pública que tanto a detecção quanto o tratamento precoce de transtornos psiquiátricos na infância podem ajudar na prevenção de atos infratores. Sugerem também que o tratamento em saúde mental dos jovens sob custódia da lei deve ser parte fundamental da recuperação e da ressocialização deles.

The prevalence of juvenile offenders in Brazil, mainly among young females, is on the increase. The literature on this issue indicates an increased incidence of mental disorders among young offenders in several countries, though studies in Brazil are lacking. The aim of this article is to study the prevalence of mental disorders in adolescents from a socio-educational standpoint, taking as a hypothesis the gender difference and the type of offense committed. The instrument used was the K-SADS-PL. As results, we found a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among juvenile offenders, the most common being: attention deficit hhyperactivity disorder (33.3 percent); behavioral disorder (77 percent); oppositional defiant disorder (50 percent), anxiety disorders (70 percent), depressive disorder (50 percent), illicit drug abuse/dependence (70 percent), and alcohol abuse/dependence (52 percent). Alcohol abuse/dependence caused a 2.4-fold increase in the probability of adolescents committing a violent offence. Public health authorities should concentrate on early diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in childhood to reduce future violations. It is also suggested that mental health treatment of detained juveniles should be a fundamental part of the recuperation and reintegration of young offenders into society.

Relação entre consumo de bebidas alcoólicas por universitárias e adiposidade corporal / Relationship between alcohol consumption by female college students and body adiposity

OBJETIVO: Identificar a influência do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas na adiposidade corporal de universitárias. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com universitárias do curso de Nutrição da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (MG). O perfil de uso do álcool foi avaliado pelo AUDIT e a adiposidade foi avaliada pelo índice de massa corporal, percen-tual de gordura corporal, circunferência da cintura, circunferência do braço, dobra cutânea triciptal e razão cintura-quadril. RESULTADOS: O consumo de bebidas foi relatado por 141 alunas, sendo que 56 por cento (n = 79) fazem uso nocivo de álcool (AUDIT > 8). Os valores médios do percentual de gordura corporal, da circunferência da cintura e da dobra cutânea triciptal foram maiores entre as alunas que relataram consumir bebidas alcoólicas (p < 0,05). Valores médios de circunferência do braço e dobra cutânea triciptal foram maiores entre as alunas que relataram uso nocivo de álcool. Houve associação positiva entre a pontuação do AUDIT e os parâmetros de adiposidade corporal (para percentual de gordura corporal, r = 0,20; p = 0,03); abdominal (para circunferência da cintura, r = 0,29; p = 0,01) e periférica (para circunferência do braço, r = 0,28; p = 0,02, e para dobra cutânea triciptal, r = 0,23;p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: O consumo de álcool pode ter influenciado na maior adiposidade entre as universitárias que relataram consumir bebidas alcoólicas. A adiposidade periférica foi maior entre as universitárias que relataram uso nocivo de álcool.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the influence of alcohol intake on body adiposity of female college students. METHODS: Female students attending the Nutrition College Course of Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (MG, Brazil) were the subjects of a transversal study. The pattern of alcohol consumption was evaluated by using the AUDIT questionnaire and the adiposity was evaluated by body mass index, percentage body fat, waist circumference, arm circumference, triceps skin-fold thickness and waist-to-hip ratio. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption was reported by 141 students. Among them, harmful alcohol use (AUDIT > 8) was reported by 56 percent (n = 79). Mean values of percentage body fat, waist circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness were higher among students who reported any alcohol consumption (p < 0.05). Values of arm circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness were increased among those with a drinking problem. There was a positive association between AUDIT scores and parameters of body adiposity (percentage body fat, r = 0.20; p = 0.03); abdominal adiposity (waist circumference, r = 0.29; p = 0.01) and peripheral adiposity (arm circum-ference, r = 0.28; p = 0.02, and triceps skin-fold thickness, r = 0.23; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption may have increased the body adiposity among students reporting alcohol intake. Peripheral adiposity was higher among those in which this intake was harmful.