The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46165

Patricia A. McDaniel, PhD, Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94709, 510-642-5208, pmcdaniel@arg.org and Thomas K. Greenfield, PhD, Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 2000 Hearst Ave., Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94709-2130.

Objective According to reference group theory, where one drinks influences how much one drinks. However, few population-based studies have explored situational contexts of drinking, their correlates, and effects. This study investigates (1) whether the context of alcohol consumption is associated with distinctive drinking patterns, particularly hazardous drinking, and (2) how this association might vary by gender and ethnicity. Methods We used the 2000/2001 National Alcohol Survey (N=4,771 drinkers), conducting analyses separately by gender and ethnicity. To measure average volume of alcohol consumed in six different settings - restaurants, bars, a quiet evening at home, a party at another's home, having friends over, and hanging around public places with friends - we used measures of frequency of being in each context, proportion of time drinking there, and usual amount consumed in each setting. Results Initial results indicate that 1) drinking patterns vary by drinking context; 2) gender and ethnicity are associated with the likelihood of both drinking and drinking hazardously in a particular location. Specifically, among men, those who drink primarily in private settings are less likely to drink hazardously than those who drink primarily in public settings, while the pposite is true for women. Conclusion Understanding the relationship between the social environment and consumption patterns will help policymakers target for environmentally-based interventions sites posing the greatest risks for particular groups.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate how drinking contexts influence drinking patterns in special population groups including black, white and Hispanic Americans, and women.
• Recognize and discuss a number public health practice and policy implications of high-risk drinking contexts, developing evidence-based interventions and alcohol policies, and tailoring health messages to particular groups.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.