Self-evaluated health status and beer drinking behaviour among South Africans

A two stage instrumental variables probit model that postulates a simultaneous relationship between an individual's perceived health status and whether or not to drink beer is estimated using data from the South African National Household Survey of Health Inequalities. The results show a statistically significant negative relationship between individual decision to drink beer and health status. Thus, any policies geared at boosting perceived health status are likely to reduce the prevalence of beer drinking. Similarly, any policy interventions that are effective in discouraging beer drinking would improve individuals health status. Other results are that: beer drinking and cigarette smoking are complements; there is a positive relationship between individuals monthly income and his/her health status; the population groups which were politically, socially and economically deprived by a series of apartheid governments are more likely to abuse beer than their white counterparts; and there is a n-shaped relationship between individuals age and beer consumption. There is need for epidemiological research to evaluate the effectiveness of health education, fiscal and regulatory interventions in modifying alcohol use behaviour.