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Background: Over the past decade, the changes to the pattern of alcohol consumption in Portugal, in particular among young people with heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking), are well documented. However, there are limited studies in individuals aged between 20 and 30 years, which is an important period of transition into adulthood where binge drinking can negatively influence the resolution of developmental tasks. Therefore, this study aims at analyzing the pattern of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among young adults aged between 20 and 30 years living in the municipality of Lisbon. Methodology: This is a quantitative, descriptive correlational study using a convenience sample composed of 259 individuals. We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for data collection. Results: Among the sampled subjects, 19.3% of them reported being nondrinkers. Among the alcohol-drinking subjects (N = 209), 61.3% reported binge drinking behaviors. We found a higher percentage of binge drinkers among vocational training students than among university students, as well as a relatively higher percentage of women. In both cases, we found no statistically significant differences. Within the total sample, 10.8% reported hazardous or harmful consumption, with men showing greater hazardous consumption. Conclusions: Although approximately one fifth of the sampled subjects reported being nondrinkers, the percentage of binge drinkers in this study was significantly higher than that reported in other studies. We also found that binge drinking is more common among vocational training students, although this difference was not statistically significant. Further studies are needed on this age group and in nonacademic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical framework: Violence in acute psychiatric units is a major challenge for healthcare professionals due to its consequences. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an Animal-Assisted Intervention (dog) programme in preventing violence in acute psychiatric units. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study with an experimental group (26 patients) and an equivalent control group. The experimental group was subjected to a programme composed of 6 15-minute visits by a dog/handler team over the course of 3 weeks. Every session involved 2 patients. The psychiatric symptoms and the experience and expression of anger were assessed before and after the programme. The aggressive behaviours were assessed during the programme. Results: The programme proved to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of aggressive behaviours and the use of psychotropic drugs. No evidence was found on the impact of this programme on psychiatric symptoms and anger experience and expression. Conclusion: These interventions may be a complementary strategy for preventing and controlling violence in acute psychiatric inpatients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]