Completed Projects

Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study

A longitudinal study of approximately 1000 children born in Dunedin between April 1972 and March 1973. The study is conducted by the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit based at the University of Otago in the city of Dunedin.

Questions about alcohol were first included when children were nine, and in each subsequent phase of the study.  Analyses have included examination of the relationships between exposure to alcohol advertising and alcohol use; the impact of alcohol-related problems in the family and the influence of availability of alcohol in teenage years on drinking patterns.

At age 21, structural equation modelling showed a positive impact of liking for alcohol advertising and beer brand allegiance at age 18 on the volume of beer consumed at age 21 and self-reports of alcohol related aggressive behaviour. 
Two recent publications from the study report patterns in drinking careers incorporating findings from the 1998-99 phase of the study when respondents were aged 26.

Dunedin Study Publications

Researchers: Professor Sally Casswell, Dr Megan Pledger
Funded by the Health Research Council of the New Zealand and the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand