Trend Analysis Finds Alcohol Consumption Rises Among Multiple Ethnic Groups

As Whites are considered the majority in the United States, the habits of such individuals are often observed by industries trying to measure trends. When it comes to alcohol consumption only paying attention to one portion of the overall population can minimize trends and even risks for other groups.

Trend analysis is important, as long as it accurately captures information that is used to address problems. In the case of alcohol consumption, it appears that the rise in the proportion of drinkers has risen across Whites, Blacks and Hispanics, as well as both genders.

A recent Science Daily release focused on a study conducted by the University Of Texas School Of Public Health in which the importance of examining all groups was highlighted. Different population groups can present varying trends in drinking and problems, making it essential to study all groups.

In this cross-ethnic alcohol trend analysis, alcohol consumption was examined across Whites, Blacks and Hispanics in the United States from 1992 to 2002.

Researchers highlight that Blacks and Hispanics tend to live in communities where alcohol is more available, there is more exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising and where these individuals have been targeted by special advertising. At the same time, they also have access to fewer personal and community resources to respond to such challenges.

In the study, Whites increased their mean number of drinks, whereas Blacks and Hispanics did not show an increase. All three ethnic groups showed a rise in drinking five or more drinks in a day, as well as drinking to intoxication. This rise was limited, however, to those who drank at least once a month.

Drinking trends are linked by factors such as the drinking habits of the individuals within a group. A change in sociodemographic composition can also influence drinking habits.