Parental drinking in Australia: Does the age of children in the home matter?

Abstract

Introduction and Aims Parental role modelling of alcohol use is known to influence alcohol consumption in adolescence and in later life. This study aimed to assess relationships between parental status, child age and alcohol consumption, which have not been well documented. Design and Methods Data were sourced from the 2013 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Analyses were conducted for 25–55 year olds (n = 11 591) by parental status, gender and age of youngest child in the household, controlling for socio‐demographic factors. Results Parents were less likely than non‐parents to exceed the alcohol guideline for increased lifetime risk (18.2% vs. 24.2%) and short‐term risk: at least weekly (14.2% vs. 21.2%); and at least monthly (27.5% vs. 35.9%). Fathers were just as likely to exceed the guidelines for lifetime risk as other men, but those with children aged 0–2, were less likely to exceed the guideline for short‐term risk. Women were least likely to exceed the guideline for lifetime risk if they had children aged 0–2, 6–11 or 15 years and over, or the guideline for short‐term risk, if they had children aged 0–2, or 15 years and over in the household. Parents were more likely to report drinking in the home. Discussion and Conclusions Parents were less likely to exceed alcohol guidelines than non‐parents, especially mothers whose youngest child was an infant or in high school or older. Consistent with population rates in men, fathers were more likely to exceed alcohol guidelines than mothers, and this excess consumption warrants public health attention.

Drinking to cope with the pandemic: The unique associations of COVID-19-related perceived threat and psychological distress to drinking behaviors in American men and women

“…While not a primary hypothesis, results also suggest that the presence of children in the home during the pandemic is related to increased drinking behavior among American adults. Although contrary to pre-pandemic research indicating that parents are less likely than non-parents to exceed guidelines for both lifetime and short-term alcohol risk (Bowden et al, 2019), our finding is particularly interesting given the increased burden that many parents are feeling as they navigate their own job as well as home-schooling their children. It is possible that having children in the home to care for and educate during the pandemic increases role overload, which has been linked previously with heavier alcohol use (Abbey et al, 1993).…”

“…Given the non-normal (count) distribution of the drinking outcome variables, negative binomial regression models were used in all analyses (Hilbe, 2011). Covariates were selected based on their previously established associations with drinking behavior (i.e., age (Moore et al, 2005), gender (Erol & Karpyak, 2015; coded 0 = woman, 1 = man), and presence of children in the home (Bowden et al, 2019; coded 0 = no child at home, 1 = one or more children at home). as well as whether or not participants reported there was a 'stay-at-home' order in place in their location when the survey was taken (0 = no order in effect, 1 = order in effect).…”

Subgroups of adults who drink alcohol at low‐risk levels: Diverse drinking patterns and demography

“…Regular moderates and Regular sippers), and they were more likely to have parental responsibilities for young children and be engaged in study or work (in and outside of the home). Consistent with Bowden et al [22] our findings suggest that having young children may be protective against more frequent drinking among low-risk drinkers. Furthermore, social role theorists have proposed that multiple roles may limit leisure time and opportunities to drink [43], and this may be the situation for the Special occasion drinkers.…”

“…Consistent with Bowden et al . [22] our findings suggest that having young children may be protective against more frequent drinking among low‐risk drinkers. Furthermore, social role theorists have proposed that multiple roles may limit leisure time and opportunities to drink [43], and this may be the situation for the Special occasion drinkers .…”

“…Across various definitions, adults who drink at lower levels (compared with heavier drinkers) are typically women [11,16], those in older adulthood [17], married [18] and well‐positioned socioeconomically [19,20]. Low‐risk drinking has also been linked to specific life stages such as parenthood [21], particularly for women [22], and social practices such as consuming wine at home with a meal [23], or the occasional drink on a night out or a celebratory toast (e.g. at a wedding) [24,25].…”