Declines in alcohol consumption in Russia, 2008-2020, are accompanied by decreases in alcohol harm

Previous studies have shown a decline in alcohol consumption in Russia, particularly among younger cohorts. Given the variability in existing empirical evidence on the relationship between alcohol consumption and related harm across countries, it is crucial to investigate whether alcohol-related harm decreases in concert with declines in alcohol consumption in Russia.

Data were collected from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE), a nationally representative survey conducted by HSE University during 2008-2009, 2012-2014, and 2020. The sample included 17,989 individuals aged 15-80 (41,370 cases). Logistic regression models were estimated, employing alcohol-related problems with health, family, work, or studies as dependent variables. The volume of alcohol consumption and time periods (survey years) were major predictors. Additionally, the effects of education, income, and risky social drinking practices were assessed. Control variables included age, occupation, ethnicity, marital status, number of children in the household, and type of residence.

All self-reported indicators of alcohol-related harm-including problems with health, work/studies, and family-exhibited a strong association with the volume of alcohol consumption. A significant decline in both parameters was observed between 2008 and 2014, followed by a deceleration or stabilization. This association remained consistent over time and displayed a parabolic trend. These findings were consistent across both genders, with more pronounced declines in males than in females.

All indicators of self-reported alcohol-related harm decreased in concert with declines in the volumes of alcohol consumption in Russia during the 2010s.