Drinking Trajectories and Factors in Koreans.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Understanding Korean drinking culture is crucial for public health interventions.
• Societal factors significantly influence alcohol consumption patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic variations in Korean drinking behavior.
• To identify factors affecting drinking, including material deprivation and depression.
• To analyze changes in drinking patterns, considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2010-2020).
• Employed panel analysis to examine sociodemographic influences.
• Assessed drinking using the AUDIT 3 scale (frequency, amount, excessive drinking).

Main Results:

• Drinking behavior in Korea differs significantly across sex, age, occupation, and income levels.
• Material deprivation, depression, and social communication difficulties are linked to problematic drinking.
• A pattern of alternating between social and problem drinking characterizes Korean alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:

• Drinking in Korea is a complex social issue influenced by ecological system factors.
• Interventions should address both individual and societal determinants of drinking behavior.
• National-level strategies are necessary for managing alcohol-related social problems.