KEY POINTS:
Young Pacific Islanders are putting themselves in danger from excessive drinking in what could be a growing epidemic in New Zealand, delegates at the Alcohol Advisory Council Pacific Spirit conference were told yesterday.
The findings of a mental health survey that included problems associated with alcohol and substance use showed Pacific young people were less likely to drink than Maori or Europeans, but for those who did, the prevalence of hazardous drinking was significantly higher.
Research analyst Jesse Kokaua said the results for Pacific people were worrying.
"One of our most significant findings was that, although overall alcohol consumption is generally lower among Pacific peoples, those who do drink are more likely to drink to excess or develop alcohol disorders.
The main reason for this was because the Pacific population was very young and the excessive behaviour of many who did drink.
The conference was told the survey was conducted during a 12-month period from 2003 to 2004 and data from other sources also pointed to the fact that the problem was getting worse.
Mr Kokaua is doing further research into mental illness and substance abuse among Pacific Islanders.
- NZPA
