Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Alcohol consumption declined in South Indian men over two decades, yet hazardous drinking remains high. Lower education and socioeconomic status predict consumption, with community stigma limiting help-seeking for alcohol problems.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Alcohol Research
Background
- Alcohol consumption in India is below global averages, with limited long-term data.
- This study examines trends in alcohol consumption, drinking patterns, and help-seeking behaviors among South Indian men.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze changes in alcohol consumption over 20 years within the Vellore Birth Cohort (VBC).
- To identify patterns of drinking and factors associated with alcohol use and problem drinking.
- To assess help-seeking behaviors among individuals with alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods
- Longitudinal study of male participants from the Vellore Birth Cohort (VBC) with data from baseline (1998-2002) and follow-up (2016-2019).
- Alcohol intake quantified as weekly standard drink units; drinking patterns assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).
- Socio-demographic factors analyzed for association with alcohol consumption using logistic regression.
Main Results
- Alcohol consumption prevalence decreased from 54.5% to 47.7% over two decades.
- Lower education and socioeconomic status (SES) were significant predictors of alcohol consumption.
- Among current drinkers, 38.4% reported hazardous drinking, 4.7% harmful drinking, and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence.
Conclusions
- A decline in alcohol consumption was observed in the cohort over 20 years.
- Hazardous and harmful drinking patterns are prevalent among alcohol consumers in this population.
- Low help-seeking rates suggest significant alcohol-related stigma within the community.
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