The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings for which population?

• A. Adults 18 years or older, including pregnant women
• B. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 in primary care
• C. Adults 21 years and older excluding pregnant women
• D. Children younger than 18 seen in school clinics

Answer: (A)

Screening all adults in primary care for unhealthy alcohol use, including pregnant women, is the recommended approach. The idea is universal screening of individuals 18 years and older so that any risky drinking patterns can be identified early and addressed with brief counseling or referral as needed. This population-wide strategy in primary care has been shown to reduce unhealthy drinking and related harms. The other groups target different ages or settings that fall outside this adult-focused, universal screening recommendation—adolescents have separate guidance, and screening children in school clinics isn’t the target of this adult primary care recommendation.