Associations between binge and heavy drinking and health behaviors in a nationally representative sample. Addict Behav 2011 Dec;36(12):1240-5
Date
08/27/2011Pubmed ID
21868171Pubmed Central ID
PMC3459671DOI
10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.07.034Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84860393734 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 52 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Binge and heavy drinking are noted in the literature for their relatively high prevalence and adverse health-related effects.
DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: We used data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) to determine the associations between binge and heavy drinking and a wide range of health-related variables, including positive and negative health behaviors, preventive care practices, and quality of life indices in a nationally representative sample of 344,793 adults.
RESULTS: Rates of binge and heavy drinking in the current sample were 15% and 5%, respectively. Binge and heavy drinking were more common among men, younger adults, and individuals with higher incomes and at least some college education. After controlling for relevant demographic variables, binge and heavy drinking were associated with a number of adverse health-related and preventive care behaviors (e.g., smoking, failing to receive a mammogram), as well as less life satisfaction and a greater number of poor mental health days than those who did not engage in these drinking behaviors. Interestingly, binge and heavy drinking were also associated with some positive health-related variables (e.g., recent physical activity, positive perceptions of one's own health).
CONCLUSIONS: The current study findings provide additional information regarding the relations between health-related attitudes and behaviors and binge and heavy drinking in the U.S. population. Implications of study findings are discussed.
Author List
Paul LA, Grubaugh AL, Frueh BC, Ellis C, Egede LEAuthor
Leonard E. Egede MD Center Director, Chief, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Aged
Alcohol Drinking
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ethanol
Female
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Status
Humans
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
Preventive Health Services
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Self Report
Socioeconomic Factors
United States
Young Adult
