Racial/ethnic differences in prevalence and correlates of binge drinking among older adults

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines how the prevalence and correlates of binge drinking among older adults vary by race/ethnicity.

Methods: Drawn from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, adults aged 60 and older (n = 18,772) were selected. Binge drinking was measured dichotomously based on whether individuals reported consuming five or more drinks in a single day (four or more for females) in the previous year. Prevalence rates for binge drinking in the past year were calculated by race/ethnicity. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted using binge drinking in the past year as the dependent variable.

Results: Significant racial/ethnic differences were found in prevalence rates: the presence of binge drinking was most common among non-Hispanic Whites (11.9%), followed by Latinos (10.8%), American Indian/Alaska Natives (9.8%), Blacks (8.0%), and Asians (4.2%). Being a current smoker was found to be the strongest predictor of binge drinking and significant main effects were also found for being Black, being Asian, younger age, being male, being unemployed, having a higher poverty threshold, having better self-rated health, and having more psychological distress. Significant interactions between race/ethnicity and age, sex, employment status, educational attainment, smoking status, and self-rated health were found. These findings indicate that certain correlates of binge drinking vary significantly by race/ethnicity among older adults.

Conclusions: Apparent racial/ethnic differences existed in the prevalence and correlates of binge drinking among older adults. Identification of more racial/ethnic specific predictors may be important for the development of racial/ethnic appropriate intervention programs.

Keywords:

• binge drinking
• alcohol abuse
• race/ethnicity
• health disparities
• older adults

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr Jamie DeCoster at the University of Virginia for his statistical consultation.