NURSING BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EDUCATION ABOUT ALCOHOL USE: INCREASING AWARENESS OF A SOCIAL CARCINOGENIC

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to derive appropriate alcohol intake recommendations for individuals at risk of alcohol abuse, based on evidence-based studies. This will provide individuals with evidence-based education on the safe consumption of alcohol. Alcohol consumption is a prevalent practice, particularly in social settings once individuals reach the legal drinking age. However, there are some contraindications to alcohol use when it becomes excessive. The stigma of adverse effects from alcohol is not as well-known as other drugs. This highlights the need for clear guidelines on safe alcohol consumption. The current evidence suggests that there is no safe level of alcohol use. This evidence-based best practice thesis is centered around a literature review of eight articles from PubMed and a review of alcohol guidelines established by the CDC. Using scholarly sources from the last ten years and keywords alcohol and cancer, the review provides a factual basis for the best practice recommendations, drawing on nursing practices. The outcome of these best practice recommendations was to develop a proposed educational intervention for the public about abstaining from alcohol use to avoid the detrimental effects of cancer in the future. These nursing interventions would be most suitable for individuals at risk or who are alcohol abusers. The evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer is a proven side effect of its carcinogenic characteristics. However, the definition of excessive alcohol use is unclear to many. By providing clear guidelines and education in the nursing clinical setting, the potential for detrimental outcomes can be significantly reduced.