Sociodemographic correlates of abstinence and excessive drinking in the Greek population

The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of abstinence and drinking patterns among 14,367 Greeks. Participants older than 60, single and widowed men, as well as participants living outside the Greater Athens area were significantly more likely to abstain than to be "light to moderate" drinkers. In contrast, those at higher educational levels and those separated or divorced were less likely to abstain than their counterparts. With respect to excessive drinking, older people and those at higher educational levels were less likely to engage excessive drinking than their counterparts. Among men, subjects who were separated or divorced were more likely to drink excessively than those who were married. The results of our study help detect groups at high risk for diseases associated with high or low consumption of alcohol, and outline preventive strategies.