Background: We have studied the trend in alcohol consumption by socio-economic status in Norway over the 1993-2000 period. Have differences in consumption been stable over time, or have they levelled off?
Material and methods: Our analysis is based on self-reported data from 6894 persons, stratified by year, sex, age, level of education, level of income, and where in Norway they lived. Bivariate and multiple analyses were performed.
Results: Alcohol consumption increased in all socio-economic groups over this period. Men consumed more than women; consumption increased with level of education and level of income. Income and level of education predicted alcohol consumption about equally well. The Oslo area had the highest consumption.
Interpretation: Alcohol consumption has increased in all socio-economic groups. It increases with level of education and higher income; men consume more than women.