Purpose: This study examined drinking patterns of American Indians and Alaska Natives residing in 36 states and compared these patterns to those of white Americans.
Methods: The sample consisted of 3,940 American Indian and Alaska Native and 206,559 white non-Hispanic respondents. The data are from the 1993-1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-specific population-based, random telephone survey that collects data monthly from adults, age 18 years or older. Prevalence estimates and confidence intervals for current drinking, binge drinking, and chronic drinking were calculated and compared by age group, sex, and race.
Results: Across four age and sex categories, American Indians and Alaska Natives were less likely than whites to report current drinking. The prevalence of binge drinking was higher for men than women and for respondents 18 to 44 years than those 45 years and older but did not vary substantially by race. American Indian and Alaska Native men reported chronic drinking less frequently than white non-Hispanic men for ages 45 and older (3.5% and 7.6%) but at similar rates for men ages 18 to 44 (9.1% and 8.2%).
Conclusions: American Indians and Alaska Natives report less current drinking and about the same levels of binge drinking as white non-Hispanics by age and sex. Interestingly, American Indian and Alaska Native men report lower levels of chronic drinking than white men at older ages, while all groups of women reported low levels of chronic drinking.
Learning Objectives: After viewing the presentation, the viewer should be able to 1) identify alcohol use patterns among American Indians and Alaska Natives by age and sex. 2) describe strengths and weaknesses of analyzing American Indian and Alaska Native populations with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 3) articulate the implications of the results on health promotion and education
Keywords: American Indians, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.