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Alcohol use patterns among Brazilian adults.
Ronaldo Laranjeira1, Ilana Pinsky, Marcos Sanches
1Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. laranjeira@unaid.org.br
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|November 18, 2009
Summary
High alcohol abstinence is reported in Brazil, yet a significant portion of drinkers engage in high-risk behaviors like binge drinking. Public health policies must address these patterns and regional disparities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Alcohol consumption patterns significantly impact public health.
- Understanding these patterns in diverse populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Brazil's large adult population presents a unique demographic for studying alcohol use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize alcohol consumption behaviors among adults in Brazil.
- To identify sociodemographic factors associated with drinking patterns and alcohol-related issues.
- To inform public health strategies regarding alcohol use in Brazil.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide multicluster random sample of 2,346 adults aged 18+ was surveyed.
- Interviews were conducted in respondents' homes from November 2005 to April 2006.
- Data collected included alcohol consumption frequency, quantity, problems, abuse, and dependence.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (48%) of the sample abstained from alcohol in the past year, with variations across demographics.
- Among drinkers, 29% consumed five or more drinks per occasion (38% of men).
- Binge drinking was reported by 28% of the total sample, with 25% experiencing alcohol-related problems, and 12% meeting criteria for abuse or dependence.
Conclusions:
- While abstinence rates are high, a substantial proportion of Brazilian adults engage in high-risk drinking patterns.
- Significant prevalence of alcohol problems, abuse, and dependence exists within the population.
- National public health policies need to account for these high-risk behaviors and regional variations in alcohol consumption.
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