This is an exploratory study to describe drinking patterns and alcohol-related problems (ARP) in Korea. A probability sample was drawn from Kyungnam Providence area by a multi-stage cluster sampling. Drinking patterns in this study involve frequency of drinking, usual amount (UA) of alcohol consumption in a drinking situation, and total amount of absolute alcohol consumed in a month (TAA), representing Q-F index. Three measurements were constructed to represent alcohol-related problems by summing up confirmative responses to 41 alcohol-related statements which is a modified version of questionnaire developed by Alcohol Research Group in U.S.A. They are consequence, social consequence, and dependence. In addition to these measurements, a Korean version of alcoholic screening test, developed by a research team working for the Seoul National Mental Hospital -was employed to determine of alcoholics prevalence rates.
Data shows that about 70% of the respondents drink at least an alcoholic beverage during a month. High prevalence rates of drinking were found in male, the twenties, those who have at least community college diploma, and those with the highest monthly family income. A positive correlation was observed between age and frequency of drinking, UA, and TAA, which was very distinguishable among male respondents. This drinking pattern is different from that in other societies. A substantial alcohol-related problems were reported by social drinkers as well as heavy drinkers. A linear relationship was found between age and ARP, with a sharp increase at the forties. Issues were discussed with respect to methodology and policy implications for public health.
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