Understanding the Hangover Experience in Canadian Adults: A Latent Class Analysis of Hangover Symptom Patterns and their Alcohol Related Correlates

Aim: Given the ubiquitous nature of hangover experience amongst drinkers, this study aimed to profile hangover experience in terms of the number and patterns of past year symptoms.Methods: Current drinkers in Canada (n=565) recruited through zoompanel were asked about 13 past year hangover symptoms. These were explored through correlation with alcohol consumption, problems, treatment, and other factors.Findings: Increased number of symptoms were associated with higher AUDIT problem score, perceived harm from drinking, younger age, and flushing/blushing when drinking (Mean=3.3 symptoms). Four patterns were found from Latent Class Analysis; class 4 (43%) no symptoms; class 3 (13%) thirst, tiredness, headache, nausea, and vomiting; class 2 (22%) thirst, tiredness, and headache; and class 1 (21%) wide range. Class 1 were characterized by blushing when drinking, higher perceived harm, and attempts to reduce drinking due to hangovers. Classes 1-3 were associated with heavier consumption; only class 3 compared to class 4 had lower drinking refusal self-efficacy. Conclusions: Higher alcohol consumption and lower drinking refusal self-efficacy relate to more symptoms; however, a group with variable alcohol consumption did not experience hangovers. The link between problems, treatment, and hangover was not clear from patterns of symptoms; symptom severity may be worth further investigation.