We further categorized alcohol exposure combining AUDIT-C and PEth measures. We show characteristics and mortality rates by all AUDIT-C/PEth categories in tabular form. In our approach to modeling, we prioritized any alcohol use based on self-reported AUDIT-C over PEth because AUDIT-C assesses alcohol use over the past year whereas PEth detects alcohol use for only up to 3 weeks. We therefore used a combined AUDIT-C/PEth measure only among individuals who self-reported abstinence (AUDIT-C= 0). The final alcohol exposure categories were: (i) AUDIT-C = 0 and PETH <8 (self-reported abstinence with negative PEth); (ii) AUDIT-C = 0 and PETH ≥8 (self-reported abstinence with positive PEth); (iii) AUDIT-C = 1–3 for men/1–2 for women (lower risk drinking); (iv) AUDIT-C = 4–7 for men/3–7 for women (at-risk drinking); and (v) AUDIT-C = 8–12 (high risk drinking).
