The influence of households on drinking behaviour: A multilevel analysis

Author(s): CarrHill, R., Dixon, P., Sutton, M.

Journal/Book: Soc Sci Med. 1998; 46: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 971-979.

Abstract: This paper examines the influence of household membership and area of residence on individual drinking behaviour using a multilevel modelling approach. The effects are investigated using data from the Health Survey for England (HSE) in which multiple interviews were conducted in the same household. With the use of postal address, the data were organised into a hierarchical structure of individuals within households within enumeration districts. After controlling for characteristics of individuals thought to influence or correlate with drinking behaviour, unexplained variation in alcohol consumption was attributed to individual, household and area effects. Household influences on drinking behaviour far outweigh the influences of place of residence. Policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, particularly by heavy drinkers, may be best targeted at the household level.

Note: Article Rice N, Univ York, Ctr Hlth Econ, York YO1 5DD, N Yorkshire, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): alcohol consumption; household effects; area effects; multilevel models; random effects; HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOR; CIGARETTE CONSUMPTION; REGIONAL VARIATIONS; ALCOHOL; MORTALITY; ADDICTION; CONTEXT; PLACES; RATES; AREA

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