Alcohol Consumption and Socioeconomic Disadvantage in Scottish Men
Author Information
Author(s): Batty G David, Lewars Heather, Emslie Carol, Benzeval Michaela, Hunt Kate
Primary Institution: MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
Socioeconomic disadvantage across the life course is associated with increased risk of exceeding alcohol consumption guidelines.
Conclusion
Men exposed to disadvantaged social circumstances throughout their lives, especially in adulthood, are more likely to engage in heavy drinking and experience alcohol-related problems.
Supporting Evidence
- 20.8% of men exceeded weekly alcohol guidelines.
- 44.6% of men exceeded daily alcohol guidelines.
- 14.9% of men were categorized as having alcohol-related drinking problems.
- Adult socioeconomic indicators showed stronger associations with heavy drinking than early life indicators.
- Material indicators of socioeconomic deprivation in adulthood were more strongly related to heavy alcohol intake.
Takeaway
If you grow up in a tough situation and face challenges as an adult, you might drink more alcohol than is healthy.
Methodology
Population-representative cohort study with detailed alcohol consumption recall and socioeconomic data collected over time.
Potential Biases
Potential reverse causality where high alcohol intake could lead to socioeconomic disadvantage.
Limitations
Relied on self-reported alcohol intake and retrospective data on early life socioeconomic circumstances.
Participant Demographics
Men from the West of Scotland, aged around 59 years at the time of alcohol assessment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p[trend] = 0.003 for heavy daily intake
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website