Alcohol intolerance is common in East Asian populations and is strongly influenced by the rs671 variant in the ALDH2 gene. This study examined the associations of ALDH2 genotype with drinking behavior and alcohol-related reactions among Taiwanese university students. Participants with previous alcohol exposure underwent rs671 genotyping and received their individual genotype results together with the same standardized health education materials about alcohol intolerance and related health risks. Drinking behavior, knowledge, and attitudes were assessed before and one month after the intervention. The study also evaluated whether facial flushing and rapid heartbeat could help identify ALDH2 deficiency. Changes over the one-month period were evaluated overall and by genotype group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
622
Participants underwent ALDH2 rs671 genotyping and received an individual report indicating their rs671 genotype (GG, GA, or AA) and corresponding ALDH2 metabolic status. No individualized health education was provided based on genotype.
All participants received the same standardized health education materials concerning alcohol metabolism, symptoms of alcohol intolerance, and health risks associated with alcohol use and ALDH2 deficiency. The educational content was not individualized according to genotype.
National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan
Change From Baseline in Drinking Frequency at One Month
Drinking frequency was assessed using a study-specific questionnaire with ordinal response categories reflecting the number of drinking occasions per month. The change score was calculated from the baseline and one-month responses according to the prespecified questionnaire coding.
Time frame: Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education
Change From Baseline in Alcohol Consumption per Drinking Occasion at One Month
Alcohol consumption per drinking occasion was assessed using ordinal categories of 1-2, 3-4, or 5 or more alcohol units. One alcohol unit was calculated as \[beverage volume (mL) × alcohol by volume (%)\]/1000. The change score was calculated from the baseline and one-month responses.
Time frame: Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education
Change From Baseline in Drinking Attitude Score at One Month
Attitudes toward drinking were assessed using six study-specific statements rated on a five-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Items were coded according to the prespecified scoring method and summed to produce a total attitude score, with higher scores indicating healthier attitudes toward alcohol use.
Time frame: Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education
Change From Baseline in Alcohol Intolerance Knowledge Score at One Month
Knowledge was assessed using a study-specific questionnaire covering alcohol metabolism, symptoms of alcohol intolerance, related health risks, diagnosis, treatment, and prevalence. The total score was calculated from correct responses, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline to one month after receipt of genotype feedback and health education
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