This study examines whether there is seasonal variation in when individuals seek treatment for alcohol problems in Denmark, and whether patient profiles vary across the year. Using nationwide registry data, we identify individuals who initiate publicly funded alcohol treatment and describe how their demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics are distributed across seasons.
The study is based on routinely collected data from national health and administrative registers, enabling large populations and complete follow-up. We investigate whether specific groups are more likely to seek treatment at particular times of the year, and whether seasonal variation is associated with factors such as age, gender, prior contact with the healthcare system, and socioeconomic status.
In addition, we will apply data-driven methods, including latent class analysis, to identify different patient profiles and examine whether these profiles show distinct patterns of treatment-seeking across the year.
The results may contribute to a better understanding of when individuals seek help, and whether timing is associated with specific needs or characteristics. This may be relevant for planning and organizing alcohol treatment services.