Evaluation of binge drinking behavior among working-age populations in Thailand using GIS: A national survey in 2017

Abstract

This study identifies the prevalence of binge drinking behaviour and the statistical relationship between local patterns and binge drinking behaviour among the working-age population in Thailand. This study was conducted using The Smoking and Drinking Behaviour Survey 2017 data set from the National Statistical Office of Thailand. Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were used to identify the spatial autocorrelation between surrounding areas, with binge drinking behaviour among the working-age population in Thailand. Findings showed that among the 61,708 participants, 11.47% engaged in binge drinking behaviour. There was aspatial global autocorrelation between the surrounding areas and binge drinking behaviour among the working-age population, with a Moran’s I value of 0.579. The LISA analysis indicated nine hotspots or high–high clusters. In Thailand, there is a cultural context that encourages risky behaviour such as drinking alcohol beyond the standards set by law. Therefore, to manage this problem efficiently and effectively, the public and private sectors and related agencies should raise awareness about the health effects of binge drinking and promote health literacy to local residents while engaging all sectors in managing alcohol behaviour in all areas. This type of approach is sustainable and can have long-term effects on society.