Alcohol consumption in Guadeloupe.

This study bears upon the patterns of alcohol consumption in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), and has been carried out over a representative sample of adults. Each subject was questioned about his or her consumption of alcoholic drinks and a blood sample taken to measure the biological indicators of chronic alcohol consumption. The resulting mean consumption has permitted Guadeloupeans to be classed among the world's foremost consumers of alcohol. For almost half of the adult population, this consumption takes place on a daily basis and therefore constitutes part of everyday life. The patterns of alcohol consumption are linked to sex, age, level of education, employment and socio-professional categories. The heavy-drinking man tends to be elderly, has a low level of education and is an agricultural worker; his consumption is based on rum. The woman is middle-aged and not working; her consumption is based on wine. These stated characteristics permit the setting up of tailored prevention programs.