The Relative Influence of Selected Social Factors on Korean Drinking Behavior in Los Angeles

The purpose of this study was twofold: to identify characteristics distinguishing Korean-American drinkers from abstainers and to clarify differences between those who drink smaller versus larger amounts of alcohol. A random sample of 280 Korean adults was interviewed using a schedule based on Cahalan's national study of drinking behavior and attitudes. Approximately 58% of the sample were abstainers while only about 14% were heavy drinkers. Logistic regression was used to determine the relative influence of various social factors on drinking behavior. The logistic model identified five characteristics which differentiated abstainers from drinkers: gender (male), college education, parental opposition, playing indoor games (e.g., cards) and going to bars, and/or nightclubs. A second logistic model clarified the influence of similar characteristics on the level of drinking. Males and those who went to bars and/or nightclubs were most apt to be heavy drinkers whereas participants in sports and Protestants were aligned with more moderate drinking.