Gender differences and gender convergence in alcohol use over the past three decades (1984–2008), The HUNT Study, Norway

Table 8 Gender differences^a and change in gender differences in lifetime problematic drinking^b by 10 year-age groups, in proportions (%), gender ratios (men versus women) and ratio differences (HUNT2 versus HUNT3)

	1995-97 HUNT2 N = 43 261		2006-08 HUNT3 N = 31 644		HUNT2	HUNT3	1995-2008 Change in gender differences^c
Age groups	W %	M %	W %	M %	M/W ratio	M/W ratio	HUNT 2 versus 3
20-29	5	18	8	20	3,85	2,35	1,50
30-39	3	15	4	17	5,00	4,35	0,65
40-49	4	14	5	17	4,03	3,33	0,70
50-59	2	12	4	15	7,19	3,62	3,56
60-69	1	8	3	12	7,98	4,64	3,34
Total	3	13	4	14	4,99	3,58	1,41

^aAll gender differences by survey and age-group were statistically significant (P < .05)
^bProblematic drinking; i.e. responded “yes” on two or more of four items of the CAGE index
^cGender ratio differences: positive change indicates convergence

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