The effects of media exposure on alcohol consumption patterns in African American males.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined the role of media exposure, ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors and religion on alcohol consumption patterns.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of the General Social Survey (GSS), 1972-2002 cumulative data file was used to provide quantitative estimates of the relationship between media exposure, ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors and religion. The sample consisted of (n = 13,742) White subjects and (n = 2,192) African American subjects.


RESULTS
Watching television and reading the newspaper were significant predictors of alcohol use. Watching television had a positive significant effect on alcohol use and abuse; but only in the absence of religiosity. Race did not have a significant effect on alcohol use or abuse. The survey year had significant effects on media use.


CONCLUSIONS
This research has significant policy implications in explaining predictors of alcohol use and abuse as well as protective factors for this behavior.
Miller
Vanessa
V
Tarrant County Public Health, Preventive Medicine Clinic, Fort Worth, TX , USA. planet.mars4@verizon.net
Lykens
Kristine
K
Quinn
James
J
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013690:Television