Further correlates of problem drinking in Northern Ireland from a population study

Information relating to drinking patterns was obtained by interviewing 3755 individuals comprising 85.5% of a stratified random sample of Northern Ireland electors. The prevalence of problem drinking (defined according to pre-determined criteria) was studied in relation to 11 selected socio-demographic factors. Using a multifactor statistical method which differed from that employed in earlier reports it was found that separate prevalence models were required for males and females. Male prevalence was found to depend (in rank order of importance) on age, social class, area of residence and religious denomination. Although very few (0.5%) women were classed as problem drinkers, the evidence available suggests that their prevalence pattern is quantitatively and qualitatively different from that observed in males.