Maria J. Drop

Homogeneity of Cigarette Smoking Within Peer Groups: Influence or Selection?

Many studies stress the relevance of peer group influence as a determinant of smoking behavior of adolescents. Recent research, however, concludes that homogeneity of behavior in friendships is also due to selection; youngsters choose new friends whose behavioral patterns are similar to their own. Data from a three-wave longitudinal study among students of secondary education (N = 1,063) was used to examine sources of peer similarities. The results demonstrated that both influence and selection processes contributed to peer group homogeneity, but the largest part of similarities in smoking status had to be attributed to selection. No support was found for friendships breaking down for reasons of dissimilarity in smoking status. Our findings underscore the complexity of processes and interactions with regard to the relationships of teenagers and offer new views on prevention programs.

Inconsistencies in adolescents' self-reports of initiation of alcohol and tobacco use

This study focuses on errors in estimations of age at which alcohol and tobacco are used for the first time. The data come from a 5-year longitudinal study with three measurements. Self-reports about age of first use at the baseline measurement were compared with similar self-reports at two follow-up surveys. Adolescents were more likely to report a higher age of first use at follow-up measurements. Those who at the baseline measurement reported having smoked (n = 338) or consumed alcohol (n = 523) 61.7% and 89%, respectively, underestimated their years of use. By comparison with estimations at the first and third measurement, 13.6% for smoking and 4.6% for drinking were consistent about their age of first use. Self-reports about the age of onset at the baseline measurement were correlated with frequency and intensity of tobacco and alcohol use 5 years later to assess the predictive power of age of onset for later use. With one exception (correlation with intensity of alcohol use 5 years later, r = .14) no significant correlation was found. The results show that the concept age of first use should be utilized with caution for two reasons: (1) the reliability of assessment is insufficient, and (2) correlations of different estimates with actual frequency and intensity of consumption at the third wave are inconsistent. Explanations for errors in measurement, and recommendations for improvement, are discussed.

Changes in alcohol use and drinking problems in relation to role transitions in different stages of the life course

Older and younger generations are compared with respect to changes in alcohol use and alcohol‐related problems associated with role transitions in the life course, using data from a 9‐year follow‐up study in the Netherlands. Transitions in several role domains are summarized in an index for structure of everyday life. It was hypothesized that role transitions involving an increase in structure of everyday life would lead to a decrease in drinking and in problems. As expected, the association of the index with alcohol use and alcohol related problems was negative among the younger generation. However, contrary to expectation, the association was positive among the older generation. It is concluded that the role‐theoretic framework from which our expectations were derived should be amended when used for research among older people. More specific attention to the content of social roles and associated resources and coping mechanisms available at older age is recommended.

Social class differences in women's fat and fibre consumption: a cross-national study.

This study focuses on social class variation in the intake of fat and fibre in Maastricht, Liège and Aachen, based on food frequency questionnaires of 849 women from nuclear families with schoolgoing children. In Maastricht and Liège higher-middle class women consumed less fat than working class women, while in Aachen no class difference was apparent. The intake of fibre was highest among the higher-middle class women, although this tendency was not significant in Aachen. Analysis of food groups that contribute to the intake of fat and fibre revealed that not all food groups showed this pattern. Higher-middle class women consumed less bread, less potatoes and more cheese than working class women. Moreover, they chose more often high-fat cheese and fats. Yet, working class women consumed more meat, milk and fats, and less grain, fruit and vegetables. In general, social class variations in fat and fibre intake were uniform across the cities, although in Aachen class differences were small or absent. In conclusion, these results suggest that the diet of higher-middle class women is more in accordance with the dietary recommendations regarding fat and fibre than the diet of working class women.

Modernization and geographical diffusion as explanations for regional differences in the consumption of wine and beer in the European Community

Mediterranean and Northern countries in Europe differ strongly in drinking cultures and drinking patterns. However, since about 1960 the Mediterranean and Northern countries in Europe have converged with respect to per capital consumption and beverage choice. This paper explores whether modernization and/or geographical diffusion explain the convergence in beverage choice for countries belonging to the EC. The results show that for wine and two of the indicators of modernization, the expected results are found. The diffusion of beer is not related with the indicators of modernization used in this study. There is no or only very limited support for the relevance of geographical proximity for the diffusion of beer and wine.

Older and younger male alcoholics in outpatient treatment.

In the coming decades, the proportion of the older age groups in the total population, and, therefore, in the alcoholic population, will be increasing. The aim of the study is to assess to what extent older alcoholics form a distinct group within the problem-drinking population. Alcoholics in outpatient treatment of over 50 years of age (n = 52) are compared with those from the modal age group (ages 35-44, n = 55). Results indicate that problems with alcohol are less severe among older alcoholics. Contrary to expectation, older alcoholics did not report more health problems. No differences were observed in the duration of the treatment career. It is concluded that older alcoholics show the same types of problems, but less so than younger alcoholics. Further research is indicated regarding late onset, older alcoholics with multiple diagnosis, and drinking problems in the age group over 70.

Effects of drinking patterns and social conditions on incidence and chronicity of alcohol-related problems

The central issue of this article is the extent to which, besides consumption and heavy drinking, drinking contexts and specific social conditions can explain the chronicity and incidence of alcohol-related problems. This study is the first longitudinal study of the Dutch general population on drinking behavior and alcohol-related problems (N = 1,327). The analysis of chronicity of drinking problems is concentrated on the selection of respondents with alcohol-related problems at first measurement; the analysis of incidence is concentrated on those who did not report alcohol-related problems at first measurement. In general, it can be concluded that besides level of consumption and heavy drinking, drinking contexts and social conditions add to the explanation of incidence and chronicity of alcohol-related problems.