Episodic heavy drinking in four Nordic countries: a comparative survey.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Alcohol Research
• Cross-cultural Studies

Background:

• Episodic heavy drinking, commonly known as binge drinking, is a significant public health concern.
• Understanding variations in binge drinking behaviors and their indicators across different cultural contexts is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare episodic heavy drinking and its various indicators among four Nordic countries.
• To investigate differences in the frequency of intoxication, consumption of six or more drinks at a time (6+), and negative consequences of drinking.

Main Methods:

• A comparative survey was conducted using telephone interviews in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
• Random samples of men and women aged 19-71 years participated in the study.
• Episodic heavy drinking was assessed through self-reported frequency of intoxication, 6+ drinking occasions, and negative consequences, alongside annual consumption and intake per occasion.

Main Results:

• Denmark showed the highest annual consumption and frequency of 6+ drinking, while Norway had the lowest.
• Finland reported the highest frequency of subjective intoxication, which was more prevalent than 6+ drinking occasions.
• Despite similar annual consumption, drinking patterns varied, with Danes exhibiting less concentrated drinking occasions and Norwegians reporting intoxication levels similar to Finns.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between subjective and objective measures of episodic heavy drinking differs considerably across Nordic countries.
• Findings suggest that the definition, social acceptability, and subjective experience of intoxication vary even within a culturally similar region.