Differences in patterns of alcohol consumption between Maori and non-Maori in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
OBJECTIVE
To describe relative differences in alcohol consumption patterns in Maori and non-Maori from all available large-scale New Zealand surveys.


METHODS
Data from five New Zealand surveys (national and population specific) conducted since 1988 were made available to the investigators and were re-analysed by sex and age group in Maori and non-Maori using multivariate modelling.


RESULTS
There was a total of 44 830 people in the combined study populations, of whom 6926 (15.4%) were Maori. There was significant variation in the populations sampled and instruments used for measuring alcohol; however, the relative differences in consumption patterns between Maori and non-Maori were similar across all studies. In all age groups, and in men and women, non-Maori were more likely to be drinkers. The strength of this relationship increased with age. In all age groups, frequency of alcohol consumption (days a year) was higher for non-Maori, though the relative volume drunk on a usual drinking occasion was consistently around 40% less than for Maori. The averaged daily volume of alcohol consumed was similar between Maori and non-Maori.


CONCLUSIONS
Maori have markedly different alcohol consumption patterns from non-Maori, which are not apparent when averaged daily alcohol consumption is compared. Frequency of drinking and amount consumed on a typical drinking occasion should be considered when determining the relationship between Maori alcohol consumption and health-related problems.
Division of Community Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Dale.bramley@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Dale
D
Bramley
Joanna
J
Broad
Ricci
R
Harris
Papaarangi
P
Reid
Rod
R
Jackson
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data