Citation

Oksanen A, Aaltonen M, Kivivuori J. Addiction 2014; 110(3): 471-478.

Affiliation

Dr. Soc. Sci., Associate professor of social psychology, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Tampere, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/add.12777

PMID

25331714

Abstract

AIMS: To examine gradual change in debt problems, divorce and income among men in Finland before and after a first conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). DESIGN AND SETTING: A register-based longitudinal study conducted in Finland between 1999 and 2013. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 70,659 Finnish males born between 1918 and 1983, and a sub-sample of males (n = 1,782) who had their first DUI conviction during 2005-2012. MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive statistics showing the socio-demographic and economic determinants of DUI. The main analysis was based on a longitudinal, within-individual setting. The impact of DUI on debt problems, divorce, and income was analysed using random effects regression models.

FINDINGS: DUI offenders were more likely to be younger and to have lower education and income than the non-DUI group. Criminal convictions were also more common among DUI offenders. Debt problems, divorce, and loss of income were more likely after the DUI incident than before. The already increasing level of debt problems accelerated after the incident, and divorce rates increased after the DUI incident, whereas the decrease in income was gradual over the whole observation period.

CONCLUSIONS: Among men in Finland, DUI offenses are more common among vulnerable social groups. The first drunk-driving conviction among men in Finland constitutes a significant life event that appears to increase the likelihood of financial problems and divorce.

Language: en