Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the potential mediating role of alcohol consumption in the relationship between psychosocial variables and adverse consequences of drinking, and (b) the possible moderating role of psychosocial variables in the relationship between alcohol consumption and adverse consequences.
Design: Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select households for a general population survey. Interviews were conducted with one member in each of 35, 479 households and self-administered questionnaires were left for all residents aged 12 years and older (N = 49 164, response rate: 77.2%).
Setting: Data were collected as part of the Ontario (Canada) Health Survey.
Participants: The present study included 33, 568 current drinkers aged 18 or older.
Measurements: Analyses included the following variables: alcohol consumption, adverse consequences related to drinking, sex, age, marital status, self-rated health, perceived stress, income, education, employment status and family dysfunction.
Findings: Alcohol consumption appeared to mediate the relationship of adverse consequences with age, sex, marital status, education, income and employment, but not with health, stress or family dysfunction which were independently associated with adverse consequences. The relationship between alcohol consumption and adverse consequences was moderated by age, marital status, education and employment.
Conclusions: These results help to clarify the interrelationship of alcohol consumption and psychosocial characteristics in experiencing adverse consequences related to drinking.