Differences in drinking patterns between men and women in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To examine sex differences in alcohol consumption according to age groups, and to assess gender and age effects on several aspects of alcohol consumption patterns. Method: Based on a Brazilian nationwide representative sample (n = 3,007), we analysed the differences in drinking patterns between genders. We also assessed the effects of gender, age, and gender by age interaction for alcohol consumption dimensions (frequent drinking, usual intake, binge drinking, and frequent binge drinking), using logistic and negative binomial regression models. Results: Gender, age, and gender by age interaction had significant effects on the predictive models for all studied drinking patterns, except for the 'usual' dosage. The effect of gender on drinking patterns varies with age. While gender has a greater effect in older age groups, the difference between men and women decreased in the younger age groups. Conclusions: Gender convergence regarding alcohol use is a trend that might be influenced by environmental factors and should be addressed in prevention and treatment programs, as well as in public health policies. ©2011 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved. Differences in drinking patterns between men and women in Brazil Diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre homens e mulheres no BrasilResumo Objetivo: Avaliar as diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre os gêneros de acordo com as faixas etárias e avaliar os efeitos do gênero e da idade em diversos aspectos do padrão de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Método: Com base em amostra representativa da população brasileira (n = 3.007), nós avaliamos as diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre os gêneros. Nós também avaliamos os efeitos do gênero, da idade e da interação entre gênero e idade nas dimensões do consumo de álcool (consumo frequente, dose usual, consumo em binge e consumo frequente em binge), com uso de modelos de regressão logística e regressão binomial negativa. Resultados: O gênero, a idade e a interação entre gênero e idade tiveram efeitos significantes nos modelos preditivos para todos os padrões de consumo estudados, com exceção da dose usual. O efeito do gênero ao longo das faixas etárias varia com a idade. Enquanto o gênero teve um efeito maior nas faixas etárias mais velhas, a diferença entre homens e mulheres diminuiu nas faixas etárias mais novas. Conclusões: A convergência entre os gêneros no que se refere ao uso de álcool é uma tendência que pode ser influenciada por fatores ambientais e deveria ser focada nos programas de prevenção e tratamento assim como nas políticas públicas.

Factors associated with alcohol intake and alcohol abuse among women in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

“…With current changes in society, women are redefining their gender identities in relation to men, and the increase in alcohol consumption may reflect changes in social positions 29 . A new pattern of women's activity was established after World War II, and beginning in the 1970s, women entered the labor market more intensively, occupying professions that were previously exclusive to the male population 30 and adopting practices such as smoking that had been considered part of the male world 31 . This overall trend has continued, bringing both benefits and negative consequences.…”

“…Besides, women have not been as heavily stigmatized in recent decades for consuming alcoholic beverages. Second, women's massive entry into the labor market, increasing the opportunities for controlling their fertility and other indicators of gender role equality, may be important factors contributing to the decrease in differences between the genders in alcohol consumption 31,33 .…”

Patrones de consumo de alcohol y problemas asociados en Brasil

“…Most published articles concentrate on harmful drinking (identified variously as heavy consumption, harmful use, high-risk consumption) and on the associated socio-economic factors. Because of variations in sampling design and different definitions of heavy alcohol consumption, the results of different surveys undertaken in Brazil are not always comparable Kerr-Corrêa et al, 2008;Laranjeira et al, 2010;Wolle et al, 2011). Nonetheless, several studies demonstrate a high prevalence of harmful drinking, especially among men.…”

Narrative of a drug user's daughter: impact on family daily routine

“…6 However, the alcohol and/or other drugs usage by women has been increasing in recent decades and the presence of alcohol consumption is identified with linear growth. 7,8 Women tend to omit drug use, fearing social reprisals and stigma and remain anonymous, leading to undernotification and exclusion in health and social systems. 7 Generally, they "demonstrate" their addiction through other signs, such as depression and irritability 9 and might be found in Police stations, jails and prisons due to drug-related crimes or in hospitals, due to involvement in violent acts or because of health care needs for drug-related and non-drug-related conditions, and in rehabilitation services to treat drug addiction, in severe cases of dependence.…”

“…7,8 Women tend to omit drug use, fearing social reprisals and stigma and remain anonymous, leading to undernotification and exclusion in health and social systems. 7 Generally, they "demonstrate" their addiction through other signs, such as depression and irritability 9 and might be found in Police stations, jails and prisons due to drug-related crimes or in hospitals, due to involvement in violent acts or because of health care needs for drug-related and non-drug-related conditions, and in rehabilitation services to treat drug addiction, in severe cases of dependence. 10 Society, generally speaking, marginalizes drug users by attributing negative stereotypes associated with the disease, and drug use by women continues to be a taboo subject, in a "conspiracy of silence", in which talking about the needs and anguishes that involve these experiences is avoided.…”