Why is the AUDIT-C cut-off higher for men than women?
The recommended cut-off for women is based on studies of women (VA and non-VA), which used in-depth interviews to assess their drinking patterns and problems due to drinking.6, 7, 16, 17 Both VA and Non VA Women develop problems due to drinking at lower levels of alcohol consumption than men (e.g. breast cancer and liver disease). This reflects their lower total body water as well as possible differences in metabolism and susceptibility to disease. Alcohol use is also more stigmatized for women compared to men, so women may be more likely to under-report their drinking.
