Increased female drinking in accordance with post-industrial urbanization in Japan

We studied the relationship between living in an urban area and the alcohol-consumption habits of young mothers in light of the recent increase of the female drinking population in Japan, particularly among those from 20 to 39 years of age. We conducted a survey in four areas in and around Tokyo, each area representing a different level of urbanization. The study population consisted of 6418 mothers of 3-year-old children; an 84.9% response rate was obtained. Thirty-eight per cent of the respondents had drunk at least four units of alcohol (about 44 g of pure ethanol) during the most recent month. The proportion of current drinkers in a more-urbanized area was greater than that in a less-urbanized area, and this tendency was significant (P < 0.001). Current workforce participation was significantly positively associated with current drinking (P < 0.01). Younger age significantly increased chances of current drinking (P < 0.05). Effects of living in a more-urbanized area on current drinking of mothers of 3-year-old children after excluding the effects of workforce participation and age was significantly positive (P < 0.001). An increase in female drinking in Japan was considered to be due to acculturation associated with urbanization in a post-industrial society.