Table 2 Odds ratio (95% CI) for non-drinking (vs drinking) associated with maths z-score at age 7 and with change in maths z-score 7–16 years
Adjusted§Adjusted + behavioural problems¶Adjusted + adult qualifications**Adjusted + adult social class††Adjusted + all‡‡
Men
Maths z-score*23 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.41 (1.23 to 1.61)1.40 (1.21 to 1.61)1.35 (1.15 to 1.58)1.45 (1.25 to 1.68)1.38 (1.17 to 1.62)
    Change 7–16 years0.98 (0.87 to 1.11)0.98 (0.86 to 1.10)0.96 (0.84 to 1.09)1.00 (0.88 to 1.13)0.96 (0.84 to 1.10)
Maths z-score*33 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.52 (1.37 to 1.70)1.44 (1.29 to 1.62)1.38 (1.21 to 1.56)1.40 (1.25 to 1.58)1.29 (1.14 to 1.47)
    Change 7–16 years1.04 (0.95 to 1.14)0.99 (0.90 to 1.09)0.98 (0.88 to 1.08)0.99 (0.90 to 1.09)0.93 (0.84 to 1.03)
Maths z-score*42 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.52 (1.34 to 1.72)1.44 (1.26 to 1.64)1.42 (1.23 to 1.64)1.40 (1.22 to 1.60)1.33 (1.15 to 1.55)
    Change 7–16 years1.12 (1.01 to 1.25)1.07 (0.96 to 1.19)1.08 (0.96 to 1.21)1.07 (0.96 to 1.20)1.02 (0.91 to 1.15)
Women
Maths z-score*23 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.40 (1.29 to 1.52)1.34 (1.23 to 1.46)1.28 (1.17 to 1.41)1.23 (1.12 to 1.36)1.17 (1.06 to 1.30)
    Change 7–16 years1.07 (0.99 to 1.15)1.04 (0.97 to 1.12)1.03 (0.95 to 1.11)1.01 (0.93 to 1.09)0.98 (0.91 to 1.06)
Maths z-score*33 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.35 (1.25 to 1.46)1.32 (1.21 to 1.43)1.29 (1.19 to 1.40)1.26 (1.15 to 1.39)1.23 (1.12 to 1.35)
    Change 7–16 years1.04 (0.97 to 1.11)1.02 (0.95 to 1.09)1.02 (0.95 to 1.09)1.00 (0.93 to 1.08)0.99 (0.92 to 1.07)
Maths z-score*42 year non-drinking†‡
    7 years1.43 (1.31 to 1.57)1.33 (1.21 to 1.46)1.32 (1.20 to 1.46)1.24 (1.12 to 1.38)1.17 (1.05 to 1.30)
    Change 7–16 years1.14 (1.06 to 1.23)1.09 (1.01 to 1.18)1.11 (1.02 to 1.20)1.07 (0.99 to 1.16)1.03 (0.95 to 1.12)
  • *z-scores are estimated from models of maths trajectories 7-16y. Z-scores are reversed, that is, an increase represents a decline in SDS (rank) for ability.

  • †Sample with information on drinking, maths score, social class at birth, Rutter score at 16 years, highest qualifications and social class. 3275 men and 3597 women at 23 years; 3752 men and 3990 women at 33 years; 3205 men and 3552 women at 42 years.

  • ‡Non-drinkers compared to those drinking more often than on special occasions.

  • §Model 1 = 7 years maths score + change in maths 7-16 years + social class of origin

  • ¶Model 2 =  model 1+ behavioural problems (16 years, Rutter score).

  • **Model 3 =  model 1+ adult qualifications.

  • ††Model 4 =  model 1+ adult social class.

  • ‡‡Model 5 =  model 1+ behavioural problems (16 years) + adult qualifications + adult social class.