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Alcohol use in China
Johanne Cochrane1, Hanhui Chen, Katherine M Conigrave
1School of Public Health and Disciplines of Medicine and Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Alcohol consumption and related problems are rising in China, impacting global health. Increased public health efforts and policies are needed to address this growing concern and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is increasing in China, a country with over 22% of the world's population.
- This rise in alcohol use has significant implications for global health outcomes.
- Alcohol is a traditional part of Chinese culture, but commercial production has surged dramatically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review English and Chinese publications on alcohol consumption prevalence in China.
- To examine the trends of alcohol-related problems in China.
- To assess current treatment and control measures for alcohol-related issues.
Main Methods:
- Searched Medline database from 1976 to 2002.
- Searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure database from 1996 to 2002.
Main Results:
- Alcohol dependence has become the third most prevalent mental illness in China, up from ninth.
- Commercial alcohol production has increased over 50-fold per capita since 1952.
- Public health responses are emerging but require further development to manage increased alcohol-related disorders.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for enhanced policies and public health programs to mitigate alcohol-related harm in China.
- Further evaluation of outpatient treatment options for alcohol-related disorders is recommended.
- Addressing the rising prevalence of alcohol consumption and its consequences is crucial for public health.