HPA's Attitudes and Behaviour towards Alcohol Survey (ABAS) is an annual survey that monitors New Zealanders' behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol, and includes questions about social norm perceptions of alcohol consumption. This fact sheet reports on people's estimates of risky drinking behaviour among adults who consume alcohol.
Methodology
Participants in the 2013 ABAS were asked to estimate the number of New Zealand adults (who consume alcohol; out of 100) who consumed seven or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion at least monthly. There were 3,726 respondents aged 15 years and older. Responses ranged from 0-100 and were examined by gender, ethnicity, age and drinking behaviour.
Statistically significant differences (p < .05) are reported.
Key Results
• In 2013, 83% of New Zealand adults over-estimated the prevalence of the adult population who consume alcohol and have seven or more alcoholic drinks on an occasion at least monthly.
• In 2013, 66% of New Zealand adults thought at least half of the adult population who consume alcohol have seven or more alcoholic drinks on an occasion at least monthly.
• A number of population sub-groups including females, Māori, Pacific people and 18- to 24- year-olds were likely to over-estimate the prevalence of the adult population who consume alcohol and have seven or more alcoholic drinks on an occasion at least monthly included.