Adverse Drinking-related Consequences Among Lower Income, Racial, and Ethnic Minority Drinkers: Cross-sectional Results

Objective: To examine factors associated with adverse consequences of alcohol consumption among a community sample of drinkers in a low-income, racial, and ethnic minority community.

Methods: A sample of 329 drinkers was recruited from 17 randomly selected off-sell alcohol outlets in South Los Angeles. Respondents were interviewed by trained research personnel on their demographic characteristics, income, drinking patterns and preferences, and alcohol-related adverse consequences (using the Drinkers Inventory of Consequences--DrInC), among other items. We developed logistic regression models predicting high scores on DrInC total score and subscales (impulse control, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and social responsibility).

Results: In this sample, we found drinking patterns--bingeing, drinking outdoors, drinking in the morning--to be significantly associated with total DrInC scores and some subscales. Malt liquor beverage (MLB) use was significantly associated with total DrInC score and interpersonal and social responsibility subscales. Previous alcohol treatment predicted all but 1 DrInC subscale and total score.

Conclusions: A diverse array of factors predicted high DrInC total and subscale scores. More research on the association between MLB use and consequences is required. In addition, studies with community samples are likely to further enrich our understanding of the interactions between drinking patterns and preferences, settings, and negative consequences.