A review of the impacts of health and health behaviors on women's alcohol use.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize longitudinal research regarding physical health and health behaviors on women's subsequent alcohol use. METHODS: Medline/PsycINFO databases were searched; from over 5000 articles, 29 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Prior consumption and substance use are strong predictors of later consumption. Prior consumption was also reported to moderate the relationship between other health/health behaviors variables and consumption. Perception of one's health status may be important in modifying consumption patterns among some subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Routine alcohol screening may help identify women at risk of developing harmful alcohol use. Mechanisms to reduce alcohol access among young women should be supported.