Regional abundance of on-premise outlets and drinking patterns among Swiss young men: district level analyses and geographic adjustments.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the associations of alcohol outlet density with specific alcohol outcomes (consumption and consequences) among young men in Switzerland and assessed the possible geographically related variations.


METHODS
Alcohol consumption and drinking consequences were measured in a 2010-2011 study assessing substance use risk factors (Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors) among 5519 young Swiss men. Outlet density was based on the number of on- and off-premise outlets in the district of residence. Linear regression models were run separately for drinking level, heavy episodic drinking (HED) and drinking consequences. Geographically weighted regression models were estimated when variations were recorded at the district level.


RESULTS
No consistent association was found between outlet density and drinking consequences. A positive association between drinking level and HED with on-premise outlet density was found. Geographically weighted regressions were run for drinking level and HED. The predicted values for HED were higher in the southwest part of Switzerland (French-speaking part).


CONCLUSIONS
Among Swiss young men, the density of outlets and, in particular, the abundance of bars, clubs and other on-premise outlets was associated with drinking level and HED, even when drinking consequences were not significantly affected. These findings support the idea that outlet density needs to be considered when developing and implementing regional-based prevention initiatives.
Research Institute, Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mariana
M
Astudillo
Hervé
H
Kuendig
Adriana
A
Centeno-Gil
Matthias
M
Wicki
Gerhard
G
Gmel
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003132:Commerce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
alcohol outlet density; alcohol use; drinking consequence; geographic modelling; heavy episodic drinking