MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Shifting Age of Peak Binge Drinking Prevalence: Historical Changes in Normative Trajectories Among Young Adults Aged 18 to 30

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2019

ISSN: 15300277

DOI: 10.1111/acer.13933

Abstract: Background: This study examined the extent to which the developmental pattern of prevalence of binge drinking in the past 2 weeks from ages 18 through 30 has changed across 29 cohorts of U.S. young adults, and whether the changes differed by gender. Methods: Analyses used national longitudinal data from 58,019 12th‐grade students (from graduating high school classes 1976 to 2004) participating in the Monitoring the Future study followed through modal age 30 (with age 29/30 data collected from 1987 to 2016). Weighted time‐varying effect modeling was used to model cohort group differences in age‐related patterns of binge drinking. Results: The age of peak binge drinking prevalence increased across cohorts (from age 20 in 1976 to 1985 to 22 in 1996 to 2004 for women, and from 21 in 1976 to 1985 to 23 in 1996 to 2004 for men). Historical change in the developmental pattern of binge drinking across all ages of young adulthood differed for men and women. Even after controlling for key covariates, women in the more recent cohort group reported significantly higher binge drinking prevalence than women in earlier cohorts from ages 21 through 30. Men in the more recent cohort group reported higher binge drinking prevalence at ages 25 to 26, but prevalence levels then converged to those seen in earlier cohort groups by age 30. Conclusions: An older age of peak binge drinking and a decreased rate of decline in the prevalence of binge drinking in later young adulthood among more recent cohorts have resulted in an extension of individual and societal risks associated with binge drinking, particularly for women, across young adulthood. High‐risk alcohol use prevention efforts are needed throughout at least the third decade of life. Age of peak binge drinking (5+ drinks per occasion) prevalence has increased from 20 to 22 for women and 21 to 23 for men among high school graduating classes from 1976 to 2004. Women from more recent cohorts reported significantly higher binge drinking prevalence from ages 21 to 30 than women in earlier cohorts. Increased age of peak binge drinking and a longer time period during which young adults are engaging in binge drinking likely confer greater risks.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Patrick, Megan E.; Terry-McElrath, Yvonne M.; Lanza, Stephanie T.; Jager, Justin; Schulenberg, John E.; O'Malley, Patrick M.

Periodical (Full): Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research

Issue: 2

Volume: 43

Pages: 287-298

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop