Time spent on daily activities and alcohol consumption. The WIRUS screening study

BACKGROUND: Activities may affect individuals' health, for instance by playing a role in determining which protective factors, but also risk, people are exposed to. The aims of this study were to explore associations between (i) time spent on different activity types and alcohol consumption, and (ii) activity recommendations and risky drinking. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, time spent on daily activities (sleep, work, housework, domestic care, media, culture, and exercise) and alcohol consumption (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) were measured in a sample of 4317 employees in Norway. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, linear and logistic regression analyses and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Higher alcohol consumption was related to more time spent on media activities and vigorous exercise, and less time spent on housework and domestic care activities. Having an activity pattern dominated by activities within (rather than outside) the household was associated with lower alcohol consumption. Being physically active in accordance with research-based recommendations was associated with a reduced probability of risky drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Health promotion efforts targeting alcohol consumption should include an emphasis on time used on different activity forms and activity patterns.acceptedVersio