Alcohol Drinking Patterns and Work Areas in Florence, Italy: Teachers and Craftsmen

Abstract

As a part of a larger study testing the hypothesis that certain work conditions affect alcohol habits, 141 teachers in 1984 and 100 craftsmen in 1987-89 were personally interviewed in Florence, Italy. The mean anhydrous alcohol intake per capita per day was 23.8 grams among teachers and 39.4 among craftsmen (27.1 and 48.7 respectively, if only drinkers are considered). Non-drinkers, and drinkers of more than 60 grams/day were respectively 12.1% and 8.5% among teachers, 19% and 22% among craftsmen. In both groups males drank significantly more than females; older individuals among craftsmen tended to be heavier drinkers, [n both groups, other socio-demographic variables appeared unrelated to drinking patterns. No relationship was found between alcohol habits and specific work conditions within each type of work setting. In keeping with Italian traditional usage, wine was the beverage most drunk, mainly during meals and in the familial setting, in both groups. Results are better interpreted in terms of local cultural traditions. Teachers' drinking patterns may indicate changes which conform to new health movements, while craftsmen's may represent more traditional Italian practices.

Key Words:

• alcohol drinking
• job
• teacher
• craftsmen
• Italy