Differences between Groups of Family Physicians with Different Attitudes towards At-Risk Drinkers: A Post Hoc Study of the ODHIN Survey in Portugal

. We have recently shown that family physicians can be classified into two groups based on their attitudes towards at-risk drinkers: one with better and the other with worse attitudes. Objective . To compare the two groups regarding demographics, alcohol-related clinical practice, knowledge of sensible drinking limits, and barriers and facilitators to working with at-risk drinkers. Methods . A random sample of 234 Portuguese family physicians who answered the Optimizing Delivery of Health Care Interventions survey was included. The questionnaire asked questions on demographics, alcohol-related clinical practice, knowledge of sensible drinking limits, and barriers and facilitators to working with at-risk drinkers. Results . Family physicians with better attitudes were younger ( p = 0.005) and less experienced ( p = 0.04) and with higher male proportion ( p = 0.01). This group had more hours of postgraduate training ( p < 0.001), felt more prepared to counsel risky drinkers ( p < 0.001), and considered themselves to have better counselling efficacy ( p < 0.001). More family physicians in the group with worse attitudes considered that doctors cannot identify risky drinkers without symptoms ( p = 0.01) and believed counselling is difficult ( p = 0.005). Conclusions . Family physicians with better attitudes had more education on alcohol and fewer barriers to work with at-risk drinkers. These differences should be taken into account when designing implementation programs seeking to increase alcohol screening and brief advice.