An exploratory descriptive study of the drinking patterns of black females in three Northern California counties : a secondary analysis 1979-1980

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the alcohol use patterns of black women. The study focused on six research questions which examined the associations between drinking patterns and characteristics such as age, education, employment status, marital status, income, and religion. The study also analyzed data regarding certain life problems and drinking, as well as the influence of social contacts with friends who drink, and drinking in social settings such as bars or cocktail lounges. A secondary analysis was conducted of survey data collected between 1977 and 1980 of 738 black females ranging in age from 18 to 59 years and residing in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties in Northern California. Women who drank less often than once a week but at least once a month (infrequent drinkers) comprised the largest category of drinkers. Most respondents were Protestants, and overwhelmingly shared in the belief that religion was important. Those between 30 and 39 years old were most likely to experience problems because of their drinking.