Risky and harmful alcohol consumption in young adults: social and demographic context
Authors:
L. Csémy 1,2; H. Sovinová 1; B. Procházka 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha, Ředitelka: Ing. Jitka Sosnovcová
1; Psychiatrické centrum Praha, Ředitel: prof. MUDr. Cyril Höschl, DrSc.
2
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2011; 91(11): 656-661
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Objective:
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of risky or harmful consumption of alcohol among young adults in relation to demographic and social characteristics of the population.
Methods:
Analyses are based on a survey carried out on a representative sample of 2,221 persons (51.4 % male) aged 18 to 39 years (mean age 29.9 years, SD 5.8). Indicators of risky and harmful drinking were monitored through 8 social and demographic variables:
- gender,
- age,
- education,
- marital status,
- type of residence,
- economic activity,
- income, and
- socioeconomic status.
Results:
Risky doses of daily alcohol consumption were found in 26 % of men and 16 % of women. 11 % of respondents reported heavy episodic drinking on a weekly level, harmful drinking was reported by 12.5 % of men and by less than 3 % of women. The average daily consumption of alcohol for men was 29.5 g of alcohol and 10 g for women. Of the other variables, harmful drinking occurred more frequently in people with
- a low level of education,
- unemployed,
- in persons with lower socio-economic status and,
- in those divorced or not in a partner relationship.
Conclusion:
The results confirm that a significant proportion of young adults consume alcohol in a way that can lead to health harm. Better knowledge of social and demographic contexts can help in early identification of vulnerable individuals. From the perspective of primary health care, the most adequate preventative action is the method of brief intervention.
Key words:
alcohol, harmful drinking, health risks, socio-demographic factors.
Sources
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Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
2011 Issue 11
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