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Mental Health Symptoms and Alcohol Counseling Among Young Adults: Implications for Equitable Preventive Care

Author

Listed:
  • Derek S. Falk

    (School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

  • Christian A. Adeleke

    (School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

  • Matheus Macena

    (Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe 49100, Brazil)

  • André Faro

    (Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe 49100, Brazil
    The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, The University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA)

Abstract

Young adulthood is a critical period for preventing alcohol-related harm, as heavy drinking and mental health challenges often peak, yet preventive counseling remains underused. This study examined associations between depressive and anxious symptoms and receipt of alcohol-related advice from healthcare providers among U.S. young adults aged 18–29, with attention to differences across sexual identity groups. Data were drawn from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, with a final analytic sample of participants aged 18–29 ( N = 2256). Weighted logistic regressions estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, 49.0% of participants reported receiving alcohol advice. Odds were higher among lesbian/gay participants (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.03–3.18) and those with severe anxiety symptoms (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.11–3.94). Interaction effects indicated disparities by sexual identity, with plurisexual males showing the lowest predicted probability of receiving advice when meeting the clinical threshold for anxiety (20.9% vs. 62.4% for monosexual individuals). The findings underscore the need to strengthen alcohol-related counseling and integrate mental health screening in preventive care for diverse young adult populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Derek S. Falk & Christian A. Adeleke & Matheus Macena & André Faro, 2025. "Mental Health Symptoms and Alcohol Counseling Among Young Adults: Implications for Equitable Preventive Care," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:12:p:335-:d:1806379
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