Ethnic differences in alcohol drink size and choices in the 2005 National Alcohol Survey Methodologic Follow-up

Previous research on drink ethanol content in the US showed that while beer drinks were similar to the 14 gram standard drink wine drinks were on average 11% larger and spirits drinks were nearly 50% larger. A new sample drawn from the 2005 National Alcohol Survey resulted in similar numbers of black, white and Hispanic respondents and was given a similar drink ethanol assessment. Respondents poured their usual beer, wine and spirits drinks in their own glassware at home and measured the amounts in provided measuring beakers. This information along with reported brand choices was used to calculate estimated drink ethanol content. Comparisons between the three ethnic groups show that all groups have relatively large wine and spirits drinks, similar to the findings of the original study. Variation in drink ethanol content between individuals was also found to be large, particularly for spirits drinks. Black males were found have especially large beer and spirits drinks and black females were also found to have larger spirits drinks than other groups. Additional details on differences between groups in malt liquor and fortified wine use, proportions of drinking in different contexts, types of beer, wine and spirits chosen, drinking during meals and amounts spent on beer, wine and spirits will be presented and discussed. Supported by NIAAA (Center grant AA05595).