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Background and Aims: The alcohol purchase task (APT), which presents a scenario and asks participants how many drinks they would purchase and consume at different prices, generates indices of alcohol reward value that have shown robust associations with alcohol‐related outcomes in numerous studies. The aim was to test its prospective validity at 4‐year follow‐up. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: General population sample of young Swiss men. Participants: A total of 4594 Swiss young men (median age = 21, 25th ‐ 75th quartiles = 20.5 ‐ 21.5) completed baseline questionnaires; among those, 4214 (91.7%) were successfully followed‐up 4 years later. Measurements Alcohol reward value parameters (i.e. intensity, the planned consumption when drinks are free; breakpoint, the price at which consumption would be suppressed; Omax, the maximum alcohol expenditure; Pmax, the price associated with Omax; and elasticity, the relative change in alcohol consumption as a function of the relative change in price) were derived from the APT at baseline and used to predict self‐reported weekly drinking amount, monthly binge drinking, alcohol‐related consequences and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder criteria. Findings Regression analyses, adjusting for the baseline alcohol measure, age, linguistic region and socio‐economic indicators showed that intensity, breakpoint, Omax and elasticity significantly predicted all tested outcomes in the expected direction (e.g. standardized incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.11 [1.07–1.15], 1.07 [1.03–1.10], 1.08 [1.04–1.11], and 0.92 [0.89–0.95], respectively, for weekly drinking amount, all P < 0.001). Pmax did not significantly predict any outcomes. Non‐adjusted correlations, baseline adjusted regression and ancillary analyses using (1) latent alcohol variables, (2) multiple imputation for missing data and (3) replications in training and testing subsamples to evaluate predictive accuracy provided consistent findings. Conclusions: The alcohol purchase task demand curve measures of alcohol reward value are useful in characterizing alcohol‐related risk in young men and have long‐term predictive utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This four-wave longitudinal study aimed to examine the associations between retrospectively perceived parenting profiles in adolescence and the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) throughout emerging adulthood. The cohort consisted of 190 young Swiss men who completed retrospective reports of parenting at baseline and a short AUD self-report screening tool at four measurement times (mean age at baseline = 20.18; Time 1: 21.52; Time 2: 25.61; Time 3: 26.99). Latent profile analysis revealed three parenting profiles in adolescence based on retrospective measures of parenting styles and practices: Optimal (the highest levels of involvement, structure and knowledge; 69%), Uninformed (high levels of involvement, moderate levels of structure and the lowest levels of knowledge; 17%), Low Support (the lowest levels of involvement, moderate levels of structure and knowledge; 14%). Using latent growth curve analysis, we found that young men in the Low Support profile experienced a greater increase in AUD severity compared with those in the Uninformed and Optimal profiles. Young men in the Uninformed profile reported higher levels of AUD severity at baseline than those in the Optimal profile. These findings highlight the associations between retrospectively perceived parenting profiles during adolescence and the development of AUD during emerging adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Information about correlates of cannabis vaping in Europe is scarce. Methods In a cohort of 1613 Swiss young males currently using cannabis, we used logistic regression, adjusting for age, linguistic region and education to assess the association between sensation seeking, substance use and sociodemographic variables with cannabis vaping. Results Mean age was 25.38 years, 60.4% had post-secondary education and 57.3% lived in French-speaking cantons; 26.3% met criteria for nicotine dependence, 16.0% met criteria for alcohol use disorder and 34.9% used illicit drugs other than cannabis; 27.4% used cannabis at least twice a week and 27.8% met criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Ninety-four participants (5.8%) reported cannabis vaping (of them 87.4% reported infrequent cannabis vaping). In the adjusted analysis, using joints with no tobacco {adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.45 (1.02–1.76)}, water pipe with [aOR (95% CI) = 1.70 (1.29–2.24)] and without tobacco [aOR (95% CI) = 2.15 (1.60–2.87)], cannabis mixed with food [aOR (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.29–2.02)], using cannabis >2 times a week [aOR (95% CI) = 3.73 (2.40–5.81)], meeting criteria for CUD [aOR (95% CI) = 4.19 (2.70–6.50)], using illicit drugs other than cannabis [aOR (95% CI) = 1.88 (1.23–2.87)], weekly number of alcohol drinks [aOR (95% CI) = 1.01 (1.00–1.03)] and living in the German-speaking area of Switzerland [aOR (95% CI) = 2.70 (1.71–4.25)] were associated with higher odds of cannabis vaping; post-secondary schooling [aOR (95% CI) = 0.37 (0.16–0.86)] and vocational training [aOR (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.17–0.99)] (as opposed to primary schooling) were associated with lower odds of cannabis vaping. Conclusion Cannabis vaping might be a marker of riskier behaviours among cannabis users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is frequent in adolescence and often goes into remission towards adulthood. This study aimed to estimate trajectories of CUD severity (CUDS) in Swiss men aged from 20 to 25 years and to identify prospective predictors of these trajectories. Design Latent class growth analysis of self‐reported CUDS in a cohort study with three data collection waves. Setting: A general population sample of young Swiss men. Participants: A total of 5987 Swiss men assessed longitudinally at the mean ages of 20, 21.5 and 25 years. Measurements Latent CUDS in the last 12 months was measured at each wave with the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test–Revised (CUDIT‐R). Predictors of CUDS trajectories, measured at age 20, were from six domains: factors related to cannabis use, family, peers, other substance use, mental health and personality. Findings We distinguished four CUDS trajectories: stable–low (88.2%), decreasing (5.2%), stable–high (2.6%) and increasing (4.0%). Predictors were generally associated with higher odds of membership in the decreasing and stable–high trajectory (versus the stable–low), and to a lesser degree with higher odds of membership in the increasing trajectory. Bivariate predictors of persistent high CUDS (stable–high versus decreasing trajectory) were major depression severity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.40], attention deficit hyperactivity disorder severity (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.51), antisocial personality disorder severity (OR = 1.18, 95 % CI = 1.04, 1.34), relationship with parents (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.88), number of friends with drug problems (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.60) and the personality dimensions neuroticism–anxiety (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.65) and sociability (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.97). Conclusions: Factors associated with persistent cannabis use disorder in young Swiss men include cannabis use, cannabis use disorder severity, mental health problem severity, relationship with parents (before the age of 18), peers with drug problems and the personality dimensions neuroticism–anxiety and sociability at or before age 20. Effect sizes may be small, and predictors are mainly associated with persistence via higher severity at age 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Short screenings for alcohol use disorder (AUD) are crucial for public health purposes, but current self‐reported measures have several pitfalls and may be unreliable. The main aim of our study was to provide empirical evidence on the psychometric performance of self‐reports currently used. Our research questions were: compared with a gold standard clinical interview, how accurate are (1) self‐reported AUD, (2) self‐reported alcohol use over time and (3) biomarkers of alcohol use among Swiss men? Finally, we aimed to identify an alternative screening tool. Design A single‐center study with a cross‐sectional design and a stratified sample selection. Setting: Lausanne University Hospital (Switzerland) from October 2017 to June 2018. Participants: We selected participants from the French‐speaking participants of the ongoing Cohort Study on Substance Use and Risk Factors (n = 233). The sample included young men aged on average 27.0 years. Measurements We used the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies as the gold standard for DSM‐5 AUD. The self‐reported measures included 11 criteria for AUD, nine alcohol‐related consequences, and previous 12 months' alcohol use. We also assessed biomarkers of chronic excessive drinking (ethyl glucuronide and phosphatidylethanol). Findings None of the self‐reported measures/biomarkers taken alone displayed both sensitivity and specificity close to 100% with respect to the gold standard (e.g. self‐reported AUD: sensitivity = 92.3%, specificity = 45.8%). The best model combined eight self‐reported criteria of AUD and four alcohol‐related consequences. Using a cut‐off of three, this screening tool yielded acceptable sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (78.7%). Conclusions: Neither self‐reported alcohol use disorder nor heavy alcohol use appear to be adequate to screen for alcohol use disorder among young men from the Swiss population. The best screening alternative for alcohol use disorder among young Swiss men appears to be a combination of eight symptoms of alcohol use disorder and four alcohol‐related consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Young adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show higher substance use disorder (SUD) prevalence relative to non-ADHD controls; few longitudinal studies have examined the course of substance use with reference to conduct disorder (CD). We compared initiation and escalation of substance use at 15-month follow-up in men screened positive or negative for ADHD (ADHD+ versus ADHD-), controlling for CD presence in early adolescence. Design Participants were recruited during August 2010 and November 2011 from the census of all young men who have to pass mandatory army conscription from three of six Swiss Army recruitment centres. A two-wave data collection was performed via questionnaires at baseline and 15-month follow-up as a part of the longitudinal Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Setting Recruitment centres in Lausanne, Windisch and Mels, responsible for 21 cantons in German- and French-speaking areas of Switzerland. Participants Consecutive sample of 5103 male Swiss Army conscripts who provided informed consent and responded to questionnaires at baseline and 15-month follow-up. Their mean age was 20.0 (standard deviation = 1.21) years at baseline. Measurements ADHD and CD were assessed using the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus, respectively, at baseline, and substance use was measured via self-administered substance use questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. Findings Compared with the ADHD- group, the ADHD+ group ( n = 215, 4.2%) showed heavier baseline substance use and increased likelihood of alcohol (χ2 = 53.96; P < 0.001), tobacco (χ2 = 21.73; P < 0.001) and cannabis use disorders (χ2 = 48.43; P < 0.001). The extent of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use in the two groups remained stable from baseline to follow-up (no escalation). The ADHD+ group was more likely to initiate substance use compared with the ADHD- group (higher initiation rates), particularly with amphetamines [odds ratio (OR) = 3.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.20-6.60; P < 0.001] and non-medical use of ADHD medication (OR = 4.45; 95% CI = 2.06-9.60; P < 0.001). CD was associated with initiation of substance use but did not mediate the associations between ADHD and substance use, revealing that the impact of ADHD on substance use was independent of CD. Conclusions For men in their early 20s, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a risk factor for continued heavier but not escalating use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis when already consuming these substances, compared with young men with no ADHD. It is also a risk factor for initiating the use of cannabis, stimulants, hallucinogens and sedatives, independent of conduct disorder in early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:This study investigated patterns and trajectories of substance use, with a special focus on illicit drugs other than cannabis. It examined both patterns and trajectories of use among a general population-based sample.Methods:We used data from the 2011 French ESCAPAD survey of French 17-year-olds to assess exposure and age of initiation of 14 licit and illicit drugs (N=23,882). Latent class analysis (LCA) and survival analyses were performed.Results:The results of the LCA showed that patterns of illicit drug use clearly distinguished between two groups of other illicit drugs: 1) amphetamines/speed, cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, magic mushrooms, poppers, and solvents; 2) crack/freebase, GHB/GBL, heroine, LSD, and ketamine. Survival analyses highlighted that trajectories involved the first group before the second one.Conclusions:Prototypical drug use patterns and trajectories should include a distinction between two groups of illicit drugs. Preventive actions should focus on young people in their early teens, since very young users are more likely to progress to illicit drug use, and further studies should include this distinction instead of aggregating other illicit drugs into a single category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Evidence-based and reliable measures of addictive disorders are needed in general population-based assessments. One study suggested that heavy use over time (UOT) should be used instead of self-reported addiction scales (AS). This study compared UOT and AS regarding video gaming and internet use empirically, using associations with comorbid factors. Design Cross-sectional data from the 2011 French Survey on Health and Consumption on Call-up and Preparation for Defence-Day (ESCAPAD), cross-sectional data from the 2012 Swiss ado@internet.ch study and two waves of longitudinal data (2010-13) of the Swiss Longitudinal Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). Setting Three representative samples from the general population of French and Swiss adolescents and young Swiss men, aged approximately 17, 14 and 20 years, respectively. Participants ESCAPAD: n =22 945 (47.4% men); ado@internet.ch: n =3049 (50% men); C-SURF: n =4813 (baseline + follow-up, 100% men). Measurements We assessed video gaming/internet UOT ESCAPAD and ado@internet.ch: number of hours spent online per week, C-SURF: latent score of time spent gaming/using internet] and AS (ESCAPAD: Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, ado@internet.ch: Internet Addiction Test, C-SURF: Gaming AS). Comorbidities were assessed with health outcomes (ESCAPAD: physical health evaluation with a single item, suicidal thoughts, and appointment with a psychiatrist; ado@internet.ch: WHO-5 and somatic health problems; C-SURF: Short Form 12 (SF-12 Health Survey) and Major Depression Inventory (MDI). Findings UOT and AS were correlated moderately (ESCAPAD: r = 0.40, ado@internet.ch: r = 0.53 and C-SURF: r = 0.51). Associations of AS with comorbidity factors were higher than those of UOT in cross-sectional (AS: .005 ≤ |b| ≤ 2.500, UOT: 0.001 ≤ |b| ≤ 1.000) and longitudinal analyses (AS: 0.093 ≤ |b| ≤ 1.079, UOT: 0.020 ≤ |b| ≤ 0.329). The results were similar across gender in ESCAPAD and ado@internet.ch (men: AS: 0.006 ≤ |b| ≤ 0.211, UOT: 0.001 ≤ |b| ≤ 0.061; women: AS: 0.004 ≤ |b| ≤ 0.155, UOT: 0.001 ≤ |b| ≤ 0.094). Conclusions The measurement of heavy use over time captures part of addictive video gaming/internet use without overlapping to a large extent with the results of measuring by self-reported addiction scales (AS). Measuring addictive video gaming/internet use via self-reported addiction scales relates more strongly to comorbidity factors than heavy use over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study main purpose was the validation of both French and German versions of a Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire. The sample group comprised 5065 Swiss men from the “Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors.” Multigroup Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a three-factor model fits the data well, which substantiates the generalizability of Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire factor structure, regardless of the language. The Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire demonstrated excellent homogeneity (α = 95) and split-half reliability (r = .96). The Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire was sensitive to community size and participants’ financial situation, confirming that it also measures real social conditions. Finally, weak but frequent correlations between Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire and alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis dependence were measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if the associations between age at cannabis first use and mental health and depression persist after controlling for the misuse of cannabis, other illicit drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Methods: Baseline data from an ongoing cohort study on substance use risk factors were used (N = 5521). The association between age at cannabis first use and the frequency of cannabis use was assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model. Associations with other illicit drug use, alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, mental health and depression were tested using linear regressions and logistic regressions. Results: Participants using cannabis “almost every day” were on an average two years younger at cannabis first use than those using cannabis “once a month or less”. Age at cannabis first use was also associated with other illicit drug use, alcohol dependence and nicotine dependence. Associations with mental health and depression were substantially attenuated after adjustment for the misuse of cannabis and other substances. Conclusions: These findings show that early cannabis onset is associated with later impairments in mental health and depression; however, these are largely explained by later substance abuse. Effective preventive measures are needed to delay cannabis onset and to avoid the progression from cannabis to using other drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and aims: Few studies have examined whether subjective experiences during first cannabis use are related to other illicit drug (OID) use. This study investigated this topic. Methods: Baseline data from a representative sample of young Swiss men was obtained from an ongoing Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors ( N = 5753). Logistic regressions were performed to examine the relationships between cannabis use and of subjective experiences during first cannabis use with 15 OID. Results: Positive experiences increased the likelihood of using hallucinogens (hallucinogens, salvia divinorum, spice; p < 0.015), stimulants (speed, ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines; p < 0.006) and also poppers, research chemicals, GHB/GBL, and crystal meth ( p < 0.049). Sniffed drugs (poppers, solvents for sniffing) and 'hard' drugs (heroin, ketamine, research chemicals, GHB/GBL and crystal meth) were more likely to be used by participants who experienced negative feelings on first use of cannabis ( p < 0.034). Conclusion: Subjective feelings seemed to amplify the association of cannabis with OID. The risk increased for drugs with effects resembling feelings experienced on first cannabis use. Negative experiences should also be a concern, as they were associated with increased risk of using the 'hardest' illicit drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Many studies have suggested a close relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to test whether the relationship between self-reported AUD and MDD was artificially strengthened by the diagnosis of MDD. This association was tested comparing relationships between alcohol use and AUD for depressive people and non-depressive people. Methods: As part of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors, 4352 male Swiss alcohol users in their early twenties answered questions concerning their alcohol use, AUD and MDD at two time points. Generalized linear models for cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were calculated. Results: For cross-sectional associations, depressive participants reported a higher number of AUD symptoms (β = 0.743, P < 0.001) than non-depressive participants. Moreover, there was an interaction (β = −0.204, P = 0.001): the relationship between alcohol use and AUD was weaker for depressive participants rather than non-depressive participants. For longitudinal associations, there were almost no significant relationships between MDD at baseline and AUD at follow-up, but the interaction was still significant (β = −0.249, P < 0.001). Conclusion: MDD thus appeared to be a confounding variable in the relationship between alcohol use and AUD, and self-reported measures of AUD seemed to be overestimated by depressive people. This result brings into question the accuracy of self-reported measures of substance use disorders. Furthermore, it adds to the emerging debate about the usefulness of substance use disorder as a concept, when heavy substance use itself appears to be a sensitive and reliable indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim In normal aging, subjective cognitive decline ( SCD) might reflect personality traits or affective states rather than objective cognitive decline. However, little is known on the correlates of SCD in mild cognitive impairment ( MCI). The present study investigates SCD in MCI patients and healthy older adults, and explores the association of SCD with personality traits, affective states, behavioral and psychological symptoms ( BPS), and episodic memory in patients with MCI as compared with healthy older adults. Methods A total of 55 patients with MCI and 84 healthy older adults were recruited. Standard instruments were used to evaluate SCD, episodic memory, BPS and affective states. Premorbid and current personality traits were assessed by proxies using the NEO Personality Inventory Revised. Results Patients with MCI generally reported SCD more often than healthy older adults. SCD was positively associated with depressive symptoms in both groups. With regard to personality, no significant relationship was found in the healthy older group, whereas agreeableness was significantly negatively related to SCD in the MCI group. No significant association was found between SCD and episodic memory. Conclusions SCD is more prevalent in patients with MCI than in the healthy elderly, but it does not reflect an objective cognitive impairment. SCD rather echoes depressive symptoms in both patients with MCI and healthy subjects. The negative association of SCD with agreeableness observed in patients with MCI could indicate that MCI patients scoring high on the agreeableness trait would not report SCD in order to prevent their relatives worrying about their increasing cognitive difficulties. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 589-595. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies about beverage preferences in a country in which wine drinking is relatively widespread (like Switzerland) are scarce. Therefore, the main aims of the present study were to examine the associations between beverage preferences and drinking patterns, alcohol-related consequences and the use of other substances among Swiss young men. Methods: The analytical sample consisted of 5399 Swiss men who participated in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF) and had been drinking alcohol over the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the associations between preference for a particular beverage and (i) drinking patterns, (ii) negative alcohol-related consequences and (iii) the (at-risk) use of cigarettes, cannabis and other illicit drugs. Results: Preference for beer was associated with risky drinking patterns and, comparable with a preference for strong alcohol, with the use of illicit substances (cannabis and other illicit drugs). In contrast, a preference for wine was associated with low-risk alcohol consumption and a reduced likelihood of experiencing at least four negative alcohol-related consequences or of daily cigarette smoking. Furthermore, the likelihood of negative outcomes (alcohol-related consequences; use of other substances) increased among people with risky drinking behaviours, independent of beverage preference. Conclusions: In our survey, beer preference was associated with risky drinking patterns and illicit drug use. Alcohol polices to prevent large quantities of alcohol consumption, especially of cheaper spirits like beer, should be considered to reduce total alcohol consumption and the negative consequences associated with these beverage types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smokeless tobacco is of increasing interest to public health researchers and policy makers. This study aims to measure prevalence of smokeless tobacco use (nasal dry snuff, snus and chewing tobacco) among young Swiss men, and to describe its correlates. Methods: We invited 13 245 young men to participate in this survey on socio-economic and substance use data. Response rate was 45.2%. We included 5720 participants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression were performed. Results: Mean age of participants was 19.5 years. Self-reported use once a month or more often was 8% for nasal dry snuff, 3% for snus and negligible for chewing tobacco. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, the odds for nasal dry snuff use increased in non daily smokers [odds ratio (OR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90–3.05], compared with non smokers, participants reporting risky weekly drinking volume (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.86–8.32), compared with abstinents, and binge drinking once a month or more often (OR 7.41, 95% CI 4.11–13.38), compared with never binge drinking. Nasal dry snuff use was positively associated with higher BMI, average or above family income and German language, compared with French, and negatively associated with academic higher education, compared with non higher education, and occasional cannabis use, compared with no cannabis use. Correlates of snus were similar to those of nasal dry snuff. Conclusion: One in 12 young Swiss men use nasal dry snuff and 3% use snus. Consumption of smokeless tobacco is associated with a cluster of other risky behaviours, especially binge drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the influence of religious denomination (RD) and religiosity/spirituality on licit and illicit substance use beyond the potential impact of parental variables. Data from a representative sample of Swiss men ( n = 5,387) approximately 20 years old were collected between August 2010 and November 2011. We asked single item questions about RD and religious self-description (RSD) (including aspects of spirituality). Alcohol use, smoking, and illicit drug use was measured as outcome variables. Logistic regressions (adjusting for parenting and socioeconomic background) revealed that religiosity/spirituality was inversely associated with substance use and that it was more strongly associated than denomination. RD, particularly having no denomination, was independently associated with the use of most substances. The study's limitations, and the implications for future work are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on gaining popularity of electronic cigarettes in Switzerland. It informs that the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF) was made that discussed the prevalence of e-cigarette use among young Swiss men and examine the associations between e-cigarette use and some characteristics of this population. The study found significant associations between e-cigarette use, smoking, age, language and education.