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. 2011 Dec 12:11:918.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-918.

Drinking behaviours and blood alcohol concentration in four European drinking environments: a cross-sectional study

Karen Hughes  1 , Zara Quigg, Mark A Bellis, Ninette van Hasselt, Amador Calafat, Matej Kosir, Montse Juan, Mariangels Duch, Lotte Voorham
Affiliations

Drinking behaviours and blood alcohol concentration in four European drinking environments: a cross-sectional study

Karen Hughes et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Reducing harm in drinking environments is a growing priority for European alcohol policy yet few studies have explored nightlife drinking behaviours. This study examines alcohol consumption and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drinking environments in four European cities.

Methods: A short questionnaire was implemented among 838 drinkers aged 16-35 in drinking environments in four European cities, in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK. Questions included self-reported alcohol use before interview and expected consumption over the remainder of the night. Breathalyser tests were used to measured breath alcohol concentration (converted to BAC) at interview.

Results: Most participants in the Dutch (56.2%), Spanish (59.6%) and British (61.4%) samples had preloaded (cf Slovenia 34.8%). In those drinking < 3 h at interview, there were no differences in BAC by gender or nationality. In UK participants, BAC increased significantly in those who had been drinking longer, reaching 0.13% (median) in females and 0.17% in males drinking > 5 h. In other nationalities, BAC increases were less pronounced or absent. High BAC (> 0.08%) was associated with being male, aged > 19, British and having consumed spirits. In all cities most participants intended to drink enough alcohol to constitute binge drinking.

Conclusions: Different models of drinking behaviour are seen in different nightlife settings. Here, the UK sample was typified by continued increases in inebriation compared with steady, more moderate intoxication elsewhere. With the former being associated with higher health risks, European alcohol policy must work to deter this form of nightlife.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Median grams of alcohol (and interquartile range) consumed by interview, by time since first drink. Analysis uses Kruskal Wallis Test. aP between nationalities across time periods; bP between time periods within locations.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Median %BAC (and interquartile range) measured at interview by time since first drink. Analysis uses Kruskal Wallis Test. aP between nationalities across time periods; bP between time periods.
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