Different socioeconomic backgrounds between hazardous drinking and heavy episodic drinking: Prevalence by sociodemographic factors in a Japanese general sample

Background: Hazardous drinking (HD) and heavy episodic drinking (HED) constitute different types of alcohol-related harm. The socioeconomic status (SES) background of various alcohol consumption behaviors is not clear. The purpose of this study was to clarify existing SES differences between HD and HED. Methods: The 2013 national survey regarding alcohol use among Japanese adults was utilized. The results from 1193 men and 1503 women aged 20–64 years were included in the analysis. Education attainment, household income, marital status, working status, and occupation were adopted as SES determinants. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of HD and HED for each SES group. Results: ORs (95% confidence intervals) of HD were higher among persons with less education among both men [1.61 (1.18–2.20)] and women [1.78 (1.19–2.67)]. The OR of HED in men was significantly higher among those who belonged to high household income, were married, and managers or professionals. The OR of HED among women was higher in persons who were employed, as compared with those who engaged in housework. There were no correlations between HED and educational background. Conclusions: This study showed that in Japan, a lower educational background for both men and women was associated with a higher risk for HD, while higher current SES for men and working women were associated with a higher risk for HED. It is necessary to recognize the SES differences between HD and HED to achieve a policy to reduce alcohol-related harm.