Alcohol consumption across the lifecycle in Australia, 1985-1988.
National studies show an overall decline in alcohol consumption across a range of developed countries. Using national population survey data collected in 1985 and 1988 in Australia indicate a decline in alcohol consumption with a differential impact upon particular age and sex groups. In particular, the results support Ledermann's prediction that as consumption declines, heavy drinkers will decline disproportionately. This trend is particularly notable among women. While overall levels of alcohol consumption have remained stable among the young, the pattern for women is for a uniform decrease in consumption, for men, a decrease in the older age groups. Various possible explanations for these trends are discussed.
Makkai
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Department of Law, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
McAllister
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors