Trends in Ethanol Positivity by Age and Gender: A Laboratory-Based Study
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and trends of ethanol analysis results according to age, gender, and ethanol concentration levels over a four-year period.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 11,684 ethanol analysis results performed between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024, at our hospital laboratory were extracted from the laboratory information system. Ethanol test results were categorized by age groups (≤19 years, 2034 years, 3550 years, and >50 years), gender, and ethanol concentration levels (<10 mg/dL, 1050 mg/dL, and >50 mg/dL). Ethanol levels ≥10 mg/dL were considered positive.
Results: Ethanol positivity was detected in 1,355 of 10,868 male cases (12.5%) and 94 of 816 female cases (11.5%). The highest number of tests and the highest positivity rate (13.7%) were observed in the 2034 age group, which accounted for 56.3% of all positive cases. Of the 1,449 ethanol-positive cases identified over the four-year period, 93.5% were male and 6.5% were female. The number of cases with ethanol concentrations <10 mg/dL, 1050 mg/dL, and >50 mg/dL were 10,235 (87.6%), 365 (3.1%), and 1,084 (9.3%), respectively.
Conclusion: Ethanol positivity was most frequently observed among young adults aged 2034 years. Over the four-year period, the ≤19, 3550, and >50 age groups demonstrated a consistent decline in ethanol positivity rates.