Gender differences in the consumption of alcohol mixed with caffeine and risk of injury.

Introduction And Aims: There is increasing evidence suggesting the consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages is associated with risks over and above alcohol use on its own; however, research in this area remains limited. We examined whether gender differences existed in the relationship between the combined use of alcohol and caffeine (Alc + Caff) and risk for injury.

Design And Methods: This emergency department study utilised case-control and case-crossover analyses to examine in situ session specific Alc + Caff use and injury risk for men and women, while controlling for socio-demographic variables, dose of alcohol and caffeine, other substance use, risk-taking propensity and context. The sample comprised 2804 individuals aged 18-years or older who presented to three hospital emergency departments in British Columbia.

Results: A relationship between Alc + Caff use and increased risk of injury was confirmed. Further, gender differences were found in the risk relationship between Alc + Caff use and injury. Women were found to have a higher risk injury propensity following Alc + Caff use in both the case-control (OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.78, 5.84) and case-crossover analyses (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.69, 6.12), relative to men (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.30, 2.30; OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.86). These results remained even after controlling for demographic factors, risk-taking, context and other substance use.

Discussion And Conclusions: Women may be at higher risk of injury than men following the consumption of alcohol mixed with caffeine. The findings offer support for differential low-risk drinking guidelines for men and women and the restriction and regulation of the sale and availability of caffeinated alcoholic beverages.