Predictors of the prevalence of alcohol use and related problems among Francophones and Anglophones in the province of Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate Francophone/Anglophone differences in alcohol use/problems and associated risk factors in the province of Ontario, Canada.

METHOD

Estimates are derived from a subsample of 1,127 Francophones and 4,023 Anglophones who completed the self-administered portion of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, a random probability survey of over 60,000 Ontario residents.

RESULTS

Results show that Francophones differ little from Anglophones on a variety of alcohol-related indicators including quantity and frequency of consumption, alcohol-related problems and driving while impaired. However, major differences between both groups are found in terms of the correlates and predictors of use and related problems. Among Francophones, subgroups at greatest risk of developing serious problems are those in the age group 55 to 64, professionals, and members of clubs and organizations. It is of interest that Francophone women arejust as likely as men to report problems related to their drinking and to drive while impaired. Among Anglophones, subgroups at greatest risk of developing problems are men, those age 45 to 54, those reporting their health status as fair or poor, those reporting suicidal thoughts and the sexually active.

CONCLUSION

Specific subgroups within Ontario's Francophone population are at risk of serious problems related to their drinking and therefore may be in need of specialized prevention and treatment services.