Black-white disparities in alcohol consumption trends among women in the United States, 1990–2015

Abstract

Alcohol consumption has more adverse consequences among African American women than among white women. Yet little is known about trends in alcohol consumption among African American women. Using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined trends in alcohol consumption among African American (n = 4,079) and white (n = 17,512) women, 1990–2015. We calculated population prevalence and used the Cochrane-Armitage test to examine trends, controlling for sociodemographic factors. In adjusted analyses, binge consumption increased for African American and white women; not consuming alcohol decreased among African Americans (all p < 0.05). Results highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies.

Keywords:

• African Americans
• alcohol consumption
• alcohol consumption trends
• women’s health