Secular changes in at-risk drinking in Sweden: birth cohort comparisons in 75-year-old men and women 1976-2006.

ABSTRACT:

Background

little is known about the prevalence of at-risk drinking in older adults.

Objective

to compare rates of at-risk drinking in 75-year-olds examined in 1976-77 and in 2005-06.

Design

cross-sectional survey.

Setting

two samples representative of the general population in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Participants

75-year-olds born in 1901-02 (n = 303) and in 1930 (n = 753).

Methods

participants took part in a multidisciplinary study on health and ageing. Protocols regarding alcohol consumption were identical for both cohorts. Total weekly alcohol intake was estimated and at-risk drinking was defined as ≥100 g alcohol/week.

Results

the proportion abstaining differed significantly between birth cohorts (18% in 1976-77 versus 9% in 2005, P < 0.00

SUBMITTER: Waern M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3927771 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature