Impact of alcohol use on poor families: a study from North India

Abstract

Introduction Alcohol consumption is increasing in developing countries including India. This increase has an impact on the society, especially among the poor.Aim The aim of this initial study was to assess the impact of heavy drinking on the finances and health of poor urban families in Delhi, India.Method Two groups of families within the same community were interviewed by a trained research assistant, using a semistructured questionnaire. Group A (98 families) had at least one adult consuming alcoholic drinks at least 3 times per week in the last month and Group B (99 families) had no adult consuming more than one drink in the last month. The two groups were selected from screening of successive households.Results Group A spent 14 times more on alcohol per month and had financial debt significantly higher than Group B. Group A reported significantly more cases of major illnesses but perceived significantly less severe health, social and economic effects of drinking than those from Group B.Conclusion The study highlighted some differences between heavy‐drinking and nondrinking families within the same community with respect to the adverse economic and health‐related conditions. Perception about effects of alcohol on the family and health also differed. These findings suggest the need to develop policies and programmes to alleviate alcohol‐related problems in the community.