Diversity within ethnic groups: alcohol and tobacco consumption by young people in the East Midlands

Abstract

Findings from two surveys of alcohol and tobacco consumption by 15- and 16-year-olds in the East Midlands of England are reported. The fist survey took place in 1990 ( n = 1009), and the second in 1997 (n = 1648). The frequency of alcohol consumption and levels of tobacco use were found to have increased over the period 1990-97 and, in line with findings elsewhere, alcohol and tobacco consumption among South Asians was found to be much lower than among the white population. However, there was evidence that, within the broader ethnic group 'South Asian', there were differing levels of alcohol and tobacco use by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. Findings for alcohol and tobacco use by religious subgroup are compared with overall findings for the broader ethnic group, and the implications of these are explored. It is concluded that culturally sensitive sub-categories are needed in order to reflect divergences in alcohol and tobacco consumption within the broader 'South Asian' ethnic group.