Does mental health status differ by alcohol use for married versus unmarried young adult females?

Purpose: Mental health issues are one of the leading causes of disability and excessive drinking can lead to many health risks. The purpose of this study is to assess whether mental health status differs by alcohol use in married versus unmarried young adult females. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used 2017 data from BRFSS for young adult females ages 18-44 in California(N=1793), Colorado(N=1321), Kansas(N=2932), Texas(N=1755), and Utah(N=2110). Adjusted logistic regression analysis by state was used to determine the relationship between mental health and alcohol use by marital status while controlling for health-related, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. Results: About half of the participants reported 30 days of good mental health in the past 30 days (45-52%) and over half reported alcohol use (53-67%) with the exception of Utah where about one-fourth of participants reported alcohol use (28%). Adjusted statistics results indicated mental health status was inversely related to alcohol use for married young adult females; and was inversely related to tobacco use and positively related to physical health status for both groups. Conclusion: Overall, mental health status was related to alcohol use in married but not related in unmarried young adult females. Primary care providers should take special note of married young adult females when screening mental health and alcohol use. Education is recommended on the importance of mental health and the negative effects of excessive alcohol use. In addition, mental health was related to smoking and physical health in married and unmarried young adult females.