Citation

Mugavin J, Room RGW, MacLean S, Callinan S. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Public Health 2018; 42(3): 315-320.

Affiliation

Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Public Health Association of Australia, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1753-6405.12780

PMID

29644759

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative frequency of use of seven strategies to moderate drinking (SMD) among low-risk and risky drinkers.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey was used. The analytical sample included 11,462 Australians aged 18-64 who had consumed alcohol in the previous year. Logistic regression was used.

RESULTS: Analyses indicated a curvilinear relationship between use of SMD and alcohol consumption. Across the seven SMD, constant use of a strategy, compared with never using a strategy, was associated with low-risk drinking. Never using a strategy, compared with using one rarely, was also associated with low-risk drinking. When used occasionally, strategies that implied less alcohol consumed per hour (e.g. refuse unwanted drinks) increased the likelihood of low-risk drinking, whereas less direct strategies (e.g. counting drinks) increased the likelihood of risky drinking.

CONCLUSIONS: Adult Australians who drink at low levels use a range of strategies to moderate their alcohol consumption. Overall, consistent use of one or more SMD was associated with low-risk drinking patterns. IMPLICATIONS: Public health responses to risky drinking may be enhanced by promoting the consistent use of SMD as a way to reduce overall alcohol consumption.

© 2018 The Authors.

Language: en

Keywords

alcohol; low-risk; strategies