Citation

Mueller M, Kipke I, Frey F, Rossler W, Lupi G, Vetter S. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009; 6(3): 958-970.

Affiliation

University of Zurich, Centre for Disaster and Military Psychiatry, Birchstrasse 3, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. mario.mueller@access.uzh.ch

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/ijerph6030958

PMID

19440426

PMCID

PMC2672399

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate prevalence and correlates of alcohol consumption frequency in a sample of Swiss conscripts (n=25,611) in order to identify factors that predispose for frequent consumption. A self-report of drinking frequencies, as well as socio-demographic and psychosocial variables, was collected at psychiatric baseline screening. Based on univariate analyses, relevant variables were included in a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model. Six percent were abstainers, 15% reported rarely drinking, 53% occasional drinking, 24% regular drinking and 2% daily drinking. Except for substance use, most associations followed a "J"-shaped curve across the categories of alcohol frequency. Abstinence and frequent drinking can be perceived as deviations from the social norm. Both behaviors are associated with more psychosocial stressors and might be therefore special targets for further studies and new prevention programs.

Language: en