Paradoxical increase of positive answers to the Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener (CAGE) questionnaire during a period of decreasing alcohol consumption: results from two population‐based surveys in Île‐de‐France, 1991 and 2005

Abstract

These paradoxical trends do not support the use of CAGE in general population surveys. They confirm previous reports suggesting that CAGE was sensitive to community temperance level. They might reflect the emergence of a temperance movement in France, with stronger impact among women. This movement might be responsible for the fall in alcohol consumption.