Abstract
In order to investigate drinking problems in rural districts, we conducted a questionnaire in 8 rural areas (Obihiro, Tsuchiura, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kagoshima).
The questionnaire was conducted on 2024 males. The average age of them is 51 years. And about half of them are farmers. Others are clerical workers, managerial officers, skilled laborers, fishermen and so on.
According to KAST (Kurihama Alcoholism Screening Test) included in the questionnaire, the proportion of severe problem drinkers is about 17%.
Many problem drinkers drink almost everyday. And in general, their consumption of alcohol is 60cc/day or more.
Many drinkers replied that they drink “to get rid of stress”, “on business”, “with friends”, “to sleep well”.
In comparison with normal drinkers, problem drinkers tend to drink both in and out of their home. They also tend to drink more frequently out of their home. Their rules on health in regard to alcohol are not so different from those of normal drinkers, but in general, they don't practice those rules. Their estimate of their proper quantity of alcohol is higher than that of normal drinkers.
