Alcohol in Greenland 1950-2018: consumption, drinking patterns, and consequences

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Alcohol consumption presents a major public health challenge in Greenland.
• Historical data since 1950 reveals significant fluctuations in alcohol import and consumption patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of alcohol consumption, drinking patterns, and consequences in Greenland since 1950.
• To synthesize published results and analyze population-based interview surveys.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of published research on alcohol in Greenland.
• Analysis of population-based interview surveys conducted over several decades.

Main Results:

• Alcohol import peaked in the 1980s at 22 liters per person annually, returning to 8 liters in 2015, similar to 1950 levels.
• Between 1993 and 2018, the proportion of abstainers increased, while regular consumption decreased.
• Approximately 50% of the population reported monthly binge drinking, a higher prevalence than in Denmark, alongside more abstainers and fewer regular drinkers.

Conclusions:

• Social and cultural conditions are more influential than genetics in shaping Greenland's drinking patterns.
• Childhood exposure to domestic alcohol problems and sexual abuse may contribute to transgenerational issues like youth suicides and alcohol-related problems.