Trends in adolescent alcohol consumption in Halifax, Nova Scotia--1970-1986.

The drinking behaviours of 1,128 students from grades 7 to 12 in Halifax, Nova Scotia were surveyed and the results were compared to surveys done on similar samples of adolescents in 1970, 1976 and 1983. The survey instruments were self-administered, anonymous questionnaires administered in class groups. In the 1986 survey, while no differences (p greater than .05) in the frequency of drinking episodes exists between males and females, the former group were found to be drinking more heavily. Since 1983, the percentage of drinkers has declined significantly (p less than .05) among both sexes. The percentage of frequent drinkers (once a week or more) and heavy drinking (6+ drinks per sitting, more than once per week) has not changed significantly (p greater than .05) in either sex.