摘要：Aim: This study explores knowledgeand beliefs about longer-term health risks relatedto alcohol consumption among Australian adults.Methods: Data were drawn from the 2009 CancerInstitute NSW Lifestyle and Cancer Survey, atelephone survey of adults in NSW. Participants(n . 1255) were asked about their alcohol con-sumption, knowledge of the Australian guidelines(revised in 2009), and personal perceptions andbeliefs about longer-term health risks from alco-hol consumption. Results: Seventy-eight percentof the sample drank alcohol either occasionally orweekly, with 37% of drinkers drinking above thecurrent Australian guidelines (two standarddrinks on any day). Two-thirds (67%) correctlynominated the maximum number of standarddrinks per day that met the current Australianguidelines, and a similar proportion (64%) agreedthat regular moderate alcohol consumption canhave serious health consequences in the longerterm. Knowledge of the guidelines and longer-term health consequences was lower for drinkers,especially those drinking above the guidelines.Less than half (48%) of the participants wereaware that drinking alcohol could cause cancerand 51% were aware that limiting alcohol intakehelps prevent cancer. Conclusion: The currentAustralian guidelines, the longer-term healthrisks and the link with cancer are not well under-stood, especially by those who drink frequentlyand above the guidelines
