Social Inequality in Childhood and Alcohol Related Disorders Later in Life: A Gender Analysis

Background

Previous studies have investigated the importance of childhood factors for alcohol related disorders later in life. This study explores the gender specific mechanisms behind associations between childhood factors and alcohol related disorders later in life in a Swedish national cohort.

Methods

A register-based national cohort of Swedish men and women born 1973-1984 (n= 948,518) were followed from birth to 2009. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate how childhood socioeconomic position, school performance, and indicators of childhood household dysfunction were associated with alcohol related disorders later in life. Gender specific effects were identified in additional interaction analyses. 

Results

Alcohol related disorders were about twice as common in men compared to women (1.5% vs. 0.8%). Low socioeconomic position (SEP), low school performance, and exposure to indicators of childhood household dysfunction were associated with an increased risk for alcohol related disorders later in life in both men and women.  Interaction analyses indicated that men were more affected by low SEP, missing school grades and paternal alcohol/drug related disorders, whereas maternal alcohol/drug related disorders, maternal psychiatric disorders and a history of foster care were stronger risk indicators for women.

Conclusion

Men and women share many risk factors for alcohol related disorders later in life. Gender specific effects of socioeconomic circumstances, and paternal vs. maternal factors need to be analyzed through a framework on gender constructions and relations. The results have great potential to contribute to further developing gender specific alcohol prevention strategies.