Trends In Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

Uncorking the delights: deciphering Indian wine consumers’ tastes with a multi-method approach and consumer insights

Purpose Alcohol consumption trends in India have undergone a significant shift in recent years. While spirits like rum and brandy have traditionally dominated the Indian alcohol industry, wine is now gaining popularity with a commendable compounded annual growth rate. This presents a significant opportunity for wine marketers to develop effective strategies for targeting Indian consumers. To capitalise on this evolving market scenario, it is crucial to understand the attributes that consumers seek in their preferred wines. Therefore, this study aims to identify the specific wine attributes that significantly influence the purchasing behaviour of Indian consumers. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed-methods approach to comprehend the wine preferences of Indian consumers. The methods included tweet analysis, word cloud, sentiment analysis and conjoint analysis. Findings The study reveals that Indian millennials’ wine consumption is driven by health and sustainability concerns, particularly the appeal of organic and low-alcohol options. However, wine, especially red wine, is also strongly associated with socializing, luxury and pleasure. This dual motivation highlights wine’s versatility in fulfilling both health-conscious and indulgent desires. Originality/value This study examines Indian wine consumers and their purchasing decisions using a multi-method approach. In addition, it compares gender preferences, addressing a gap in limited research on the Indian wine industry.

Changes in Alcohol Intake by Educational Level among Older Men and Women in Spain during the 21st Century

Abstract Background and objectives Despite alcohol use being very common in older adults, studies are scarce and suggest alcohol use may be increasing. Furthermore, despite the known relationship between education and alcohol consumption, there is limited evidence of educational differences in older adults. Our objective was to describe trends in alcohol consumption in individuals aged ≥65 by sex and educational level in Spain. Research design and methods 43,157 participants aged ≥65 years were drawn from Spain’s national health surveys between 2001-2020, representing the non-institutionalized population. The outcomes were various measures of self-reported past-year alcohol intake. Age-standardized rates and negative binomial regression models were used to examine trends and differences in alcohol intake by educational level, sex, and period (2001-2009 vs. 2011-2020). Results The average daily alcohol intake and prevalence of heavy average drinking (>20/10 g/day) decreased over time, especially among men, while moderate average drinking remained unchanged or even increased. Alcohol intake increased with increasing educational levels. All drinking measures showed educational inequalities, and these were greater in women than men. The mean amount of drinking showed the greatest inequality, with and adjusted prevalence ratio of 2.6 in women and 1.1 in men between university relative to primary education level. Discussion and implications Alcohol intake in older adults decreased over time in Spain for heavy average drinking and average drinking amount, although not for moderate average drinking. Consumption remains highest among the highest educational levels, which may negatively affect health. Programs addressing alcohol consumption among older adults are needed to minimize alcohol-related harm.

A Model of Alcohol Consumption with Semi-Markov Variable Coefficients

This paper focuses on the in-depth study of a stochastic approximation methodology involving semi-Markov switches in an averaging scheme with a minor parameter. We present a model where perceived objects are impacted by noise variables dependent on the semi-Markov process. The emphasis is on analyzing the convergence and stability of the stochastic approximation process within this context. Theoretical results are presented alongside numeric simulations, demonstrating the practical applications in managing complex stochastic systems. This work opens promising paths for the use of stochastic approximation approaches in the wider field of semi-Markov processes. Recognizing the mutable nature of alcohol consumption and its dependency on a variety of factors, we propose encoding such dynamism within a semi-Markov parameter structure. This model handles the patterns of individual alcohol consumption as a semi-Markov process; the transition probabilities between different states of alcohol consumption are directed by sociodemographic variables that change over time. Our approach, thus, bridges the gap between the realities of ever-changing alcohol consumption trends and static traditional Markov-chain models. By integrating real-world variables into our innovative model, we offer a cutting-edge analytical tool that lays down new paths for understanding and addressing the challenges with alcohol consumption patterns. Further, our insights have the potential to significantly impact the formulation of effective strategies and public health interventions aimed at alcohol-related harm reduction

Exploring the Nicotine-Parkinson's disease link – Insights from the UK Biobank

IntroductionEvidence suggests an inverse correlation between smoking and Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines the changing risk relationship between smoking and PD diagnosis using alcohol consumption, another reward-driven behavior, as a comparative measure. MethodsA nested case-control study was conducted using the UK Biobank (UKBB) database. Participants in the prediagnostic phase of PD were identified, and self-reported data on tobacco and alcohol use were analyzed employing conditional binary logistic regression. Polynomial and piece-wise regression models were employed to discern shifting associations with PD over time. ResultsOf 502,304 participants (63 ± 5.3 years, 63 % male), 3049 prediagnostic PD cases were identified. Non-smokers had a heightened PD risk, and this association strengthened closer to diagnosis. The odds ratio (OR [95 % CI]) associated with PD in non-smokers was 2.02 [1.07–3.81] 1–4 years before diagnosis, compared to 1.36 [1.02–1.83] at >10-year intervals (linear trend, p = 0.012). The time trajectory of ORs was best depicted by a quadratic function, identifying a shift in risk 7.5 years before diagnosis documentation. Similar patterns emerged among alcohol non-consumers, with an 8.5-year interval inflection point. ConclusionThis study identified two disparate risk trajectories among non-smokers: an initial low-amplitude increased risk at prolonged prediagnostic intervals possibly related to genetic/personality factors, followed by a sharp escalation in risk association commencing 7–8 years before diagnosis, possibly propelled by reverse causality. Similar trends in alcohol consumption reinforce these conclusions. These findings could suggest that smoking cessation may serve as an early indicator of PD.

Alcohol-associated liver disease - a current overview.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains a major and increasingly pressing concern in hepatology. ALD includes spectrum of conditions, each with unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Excessive alcohol intake is a leading preventable cause of physical harm, including ALD. The pathogenesis of ALD involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disruptions, with genetic predispositions playing a major role. ALD progresses from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis, and finally liver cirrhosis, which is marked by severe fibrosis and impaired liver function. Advanced ALD stages, particularly alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, are characterized by high mortality rates. Management of ALD primarily involves strict abstinence from alcohol, which can reverse early-stage disease or halt progression. Nutritional support, vitamin supplementation, and symptomatic treatment are also essential. Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for alcoholic liver cirrhosis, but it is difficult for patients with a history of alcohol abuse to qualify for the procedure. Epidemiological data indicate a growing burden of ALD, especially among younger populations, exacerbated by increased alcohol consumption trends and the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on drinking behaviors. Despite ALD's significant impact, current therapies are limited, highlight- ing the need for innovative treatments and comprehensive patient management strategies. Individualized care, enhanced epidemiological research, and new therapeutic approaches are crucial to improving outcomes for ALD patients.

Trends in alcohol consumption of adults with presumed atrial fibrillation in the United States, 2001 to 2018

Trends in alcohol consumption of adults with presumed atrial fibrillation in the United States, 2001 to 2018

Assessing the impact of stricter drink driving policy on alcohol consumption in a population of Hanoi, Vietnam using wastewater analysis.

On 1 January 2020, Vietnam introduced a new law with harsher fines and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Reports of empty beer restaurants following this implementation suggested the new law has the potential to reduce population-level alcohol consumption. This pilot study aims to quantify short-term changes in alcohol consumption levels after the implementation of the new law and assess whether it could lead to a reduction in total alcohol consumption in the population. Wastewater samples were collected from two sites along a sewage canal in Hanoi during two periods: Period 1 (15 December 2018 to 14 January 2019) and Period 2 (15 December 2019 to 14 January 2020). Ethyl sulfate, a specific metabolite of alcohol, was quantified to monitor the trend of alcohol consumption. Both interrupted time series and controlled interrupted time series approaches were utilised, with Period 1 and Period 2 serving as the control and intervention periods, respectively. Our analysis indicated that the implementation of the new law did not result in an immediate and significant reduction in alcohol consumption at the population level. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in alcohol consumption between weekdays and weekends both before and after the implementation of the new law. Long-term monitoring is needed to assess the impact of stricter DUI policy on alcohol consumption in the urban areas of Vietnam.

Drunk in China? The Imperative for Effective Interventions Against Alcohol Abuse

Background: Alcohol use and abuse remain prevalent in China, though mounting evidence shows that even drinking in moderation is detrimental to health. While many countries’ intake is on the decline, China’s alcohol consumption is rising fast and is on the path to overtaking countries like the United States, even on a per capita level. Objectives: This paper aims to analyze the danger of lax enforcement of laws and regulations against alcohol use and abuse and underscores the imperative for effective health interventions to curb problematic alcohol consumption in China. Results: Different from their Western counterparts, Chinese drinkers often consume more spirit with a high percentage of alcohol in social settings that encourage the “ganbei culture”—making toasts with alcohol filled to the brim and downed in one go to show respect—which perpetuates excessive drinking at a fast pace. Though the country has various laws and regulations in place to curb problematic alcohol consumption, like workplace drinking, their impacts are dismal. Considering that China has 1.4 billion people, the country’s uncurbed alcohol consumption trend could have a detrimental effect on national strategic objectives like “Healthy China 2030” and international ones like the Sustainable Development Goals. To further compound the situation, prevalent campaigns promoted by liquor companies—like alcohol-infused coffee, chocolate, and ice cream—may groom young people to develop alcohol consumption habits, if not addictions, for generations to come. Conclusions: We developed the Framework of 5Vs of China’s “Ganbei Culture to shed light on the issue, with the hope that it, along with the overarching insights of this paper, can assist health professionals and policymakers in better guarding and improving public health against the harms of alcohol use and abuse in China and beyond.

Alcohol and Teenagers. The Main Trends in Alcohol Consumption by Adolescents at the Beginning of the 21st Century

Alcohol and Teenagers. The Main Trends in Alcohol Consumption by Adolescents at the Beginning of the 21st Century

Abstract Mo065: An Anti-arrhythmic Action and Novel Molecular Mechanisms of Alda-1 in Holiday Heart Syndrome

Introduction: Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) is caused by excessive binge alcohol intake. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in HHS patients. With a worldwide rising trend in heavy alcohol consumption despite significant prevention efforts, effective drugs against alcohol-evoked AF are in urgent need. Methods: We assessed the effect of Alda-1, a cardiac protective agent, on mitigating binge alcohol-evoked AF and alcohol-activated stress kinase JNK2 in 50mM alcohol-exposed (24hr) H9c2 differentiated myocytes and in a well-characterized HHS mouse model (2g/kg ethanol i.p., 4 injections, every other day). Alda-1’s effect on alcohol-evoked RyR2 channel-mediated Ca 2+ waves/sparks & tachycardia/fibrillation (AT/AF) incidence were measured in intact mouse atria. RyR2 channel open probability was assessed in human RyR2 single-channel recordings. Results: We found that Alda-1 significantly reduced atrial arrhythmia inducibility in HHS mouse atria, as evidenced by a decreased incidence of alcohol-evoked AT/AF (0 vs. 0.21 incidences/pacing attempts/animal; n=6, 8). Alda-1 is an agonist of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2; a key enzyme in alcohol detoxification), which inhibits cellular apoptosis. We found that ALDH2 was increased by 42%±6 in HHS mice compared to controls, and which remained elevated upon Alda-1 treatment (n=6,7,7; p<0.05). HHS hearts showed unchanged apoptotic signaling pathways, suggesting alternative mechanisms in AF genesis. Our lab recently revealed a critical role of activated cardiac stress kinase JNK2 in AF risk. Intriguingly, Alda-1 suppressed alcohol-activated JNK2 by 70%±13 (immunoprecipitated JNK2-specific activity; n=9,9, p<0.001) (but not JNK1, the other cardiac JNK isoform) in cells, while JNK2 inhibition alleviated alcohol-evoked RyR2 channel dysfunction in human RyR2 channels as well as Ca 2+ -triggered atrial arrhythmic activities and AT/AF (0 out of 8; p<0.05) in intact mouse hearts. Conclusion: Alda-1 effectively mitigates binge alcohol-evoked atrial arrhythmogenesis by suppressing JNK2 activity independently of an ALDH2-mediated anti-apoptosis effect. Our findings highlight the potential of Alda-1 as a therapeutic agent for the increasing incidence of alcohol-evoked AF.

Expanding our understanding of long-term trends in alcohol abstention and consumption in England (2001-19) using two age-period-cohort approaches.

Alcohol consumption has decreased in England in recent decades, while alcohol-specific death rates have remained relatively stable. Age-period-cohort (APC) models offer the potential for understanding these paradoxical trends. This study aimed to use an APC model approach to measure long-term trends in alcohol abstention and consumption in England from 2001 to 2019. The study used grouped and proxy-variable APC models of repeat cross-sectional survey data, set in England (2001-19). Participants were residents in England aged 13 years or over who took part in the Health Survey for England. Outcome variables were alcohol abstention and consumption in units. We created nine age groups (13-15, 16-17, 18-24, 25-34, until 65-74 and 75+, reference 45-54 years), four periods (2001-04, 2005-09, 2010-14 to 2015-19, reference 2005-09) and 18 5-year birth cohorts (1915-19 to 2000-04, reference 1960-64). We proxied age effects (systolic and diastolic blood pressure), period effects (alcohol affordability, internet usage and household alcohol expenditure) and birth cohort effects (prevalence of smoking and prevalence of overweight). The odds of abstaining were considerably larger at young ages, 13-15 years [odds ratio (OR) = 5.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.50-6.43], were lowest during the first period, 2001-04 (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.79-0.86) and had a U-shaped pattern by birth cohort. For units of alcohol, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) increased until age 18-24 years (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.34-1.48) and decreased afterwards, were highest during the first period, 2001-04 (IRR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.05-1.08) and showed an inverted J-shape by birth cohort. Our proxy variable approach revealed that using blood pressure measures, alcohol affordability and prevalence of overweight as proxies resulted in APC effects that differed from our base-case model. However, internet usage, household expenditure on alcohol and smoking prevalence resulted in APC effects similar to our base-case model. The discrepancy between decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing alcohol-related deaths observed in England from 2001 to 2019 may, in part, be explained by the halt in abstention trends since 2010 and a slight consumption decline since 2001.

Seven-years of alcohol consumption in Australia by wastewater analysis: Exploring patterns by remoteness and socioeconomic factors

BackgroundWastewater analysis provides a complementary measure of alcohol use in whole communities. We assessed absolute differences and temporal trends in alcohol consumption by degree of remoteness and socioeconomics indicators in Australia from 2016 to 2023. MethodsAlcohol consumption estimates from 50 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the Australian National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program were used. Trends were analysed based on 1) site remoteness: Major Cities, Inner Regional and a combined remoteness category of Outer Regional and Remote, and 2) using two socioeconomic indexes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) relating to advantage and disadvantage for Income, education, occupation, and housing. ResultsConsumption estimates were similar for Major Cities and Inner Regional areas (14.3 and 14.4L/day/1000 people), but significantly higher in Outer Regional and Remote sites (18.6L/day/1000 people). Consumption was decreasing in Major cities by 4.5% annually, Inner Regional by 2.4%, and 3.5% in the combined Outer Regional and Remote category. Consumption estimates were higher in socioeconomically advantaged quartiles than those of lower advantage (0%-25% mean = 13.0, 75%-100% mean = 17.4). Consumption in all quartiles decreased significantly over the 7 year period with annual rates of decrease of 0.9%, 3.7%, 3.6%, and 3.0% for the lowest to highest quartile, respectively. ConclusionsDeclines in Australian alcohol consumption have been steeper in large urban areas than regional and remote areas. There were smaller annual decreases in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. If continued, these trends may increase Australian health inequalities. Policy and prevention work should be appropriately targeted to produce more equitable long-term outcomes.

‘I’m on board with the borg’ : encouraging risky alcohol use on TikTok

A ‘Blackout Rage Gallon’ (borg) is a dangerous new alcohol consumption trend popular with young people. It involves creating a customised, individual alcoholic beverage by replacing half the water in a four litre (gallon) jug with alcohol (usually spirits), flavourings, electrolytes and caffeinated energy drinks or caffeine supplements. The most prevalent ‘recipe’ calls for the addition of 750ml of alcohol. The ‘blackout’ part of the name refers to the intent of one person to consume the borg in one session, thereby encouraging risky alcohol use. Indeed, there have been reports in popular media of multiple hospitalisations attributed to consumption of borgs at college events in the United States. Part of the attraction of the trend is to label the borg with a clever name, usually incorporating the term ‘borg’. The trend has gained traction recently on TikTok, which has become an important, yet unregulated, source of information for the public including young people(1). We investigated TikTok videos associated with the hashtag #borg to better understand this dangerous new phenomenon. We identified and analysed highly viewed TikTok videos (n = 105) for engagement, techniques, characteristics of featured individuals, and the portrayal of alcohol and risky drinking behaviours. Alcohol was visible in three quarters of the videos analysed (n = 78), and consumed in one third (n = 34). The average amount of alcohol present was well in excess of safe drinking guidelines (865ml) One quarter of videos (n = 25) promoted alleged benefits such as control of volume of consumption, protection from drink spiking, and mitigation of side effects due to addition of electrolytes and water. Alarmingly, only 9 videos included a warning about potential harms of the borg or alcohol in general. Indeed, videos discussing potential harms and benefits tended to encourage the use of borg, for example ‘I’m on board with the borg’. Our study found the borg TikTok trend encourages risky drinking in a fun and entertaining way, supporting previous studies where the majority of content was positively portraying a product or behaviour(2). As there is an association between viewing alcohol-related content on social media and alcohol use(3), there is an urgent need for social media content restrictions to limit the visibility of risky alcohol consumption, particularly to underage users.

Wastewater-based Epidemiology to Investigate Spatio-Temporal Trends in Alcohol Consumption in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Alcohol is an influential drug that has extensive societal impact. In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are a number of worrying trends related to alcohol consumption including rates of alcohol-related harm and violence and heavy episodic drinking. To understand and address these issues, alcohol consumption rates and related trends need to be understood. A wastewater-based epidemiology study was carried out over the course of six months (April-September 2021), sampling one week per month from ten catchment areas covering ~40 % of the national population. The average alcohol consumption was found to be 12.2 mL/person/day. Temporal and geographical trends in alcohol consumption were found; there was higher alcohol consumption on the weekends compared to weekdays, alcohol consumption was inversely related to settlement size, there was increased alcohol consumption due to public holidays and alcohol consumption was not seen to increase during COVID restrictions, however there was a notable change in the weekly trend during lockdowns. This application of alcohol WBE to Aotearoa New Zealand represents a comprehensive national study to understand alcohol consumption and its influences. The knowledge obtained will allow appropriate services and public policies to be reviewed to best serve communities.

Implications of the decline in adolescent drinking on the experience of alcohol-related consequences in the Nordic countries: A study based on data from the ESPAD project.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) whether self-reported acute alcohol-related consequences among adolescents in the Nordic countries have declined in concert with the decline in alcohol consumption; (2) whether the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences has strengthened; and (3) whether the decline in alcohol-related consequences can be attributed to the decline in alcohol consumption. Methods: Data are from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2011 and 2015. Participants were students aged 15-16 years in 2007 (n = 16,035), 2011 (n = 14,765) and 2015 (n = 13,517). Alcohol consumption variables included lifetime and 12-month alcohol use, volume ethanol at last drinking occasion and heavy episodic drinking in the past 30 days. Self-reported acute alcohol-related consequences were measured as a sum index of experiencing the following at least once within the last 12 months: (1) an accident or injury; (2) being victimised by robbery or theft; or (3) had trouble with the police. Results: For all alcohol indicators, adolescent alcohol use decreased between 2007 and 2015. The highest prevalence estimates were found in Denmark, and here only the number of current drinkers decreased significantly. In addition, a decreasing trend in self-reported acute alcohol-related consequences was observed. We did not find a strengthening of the alcohol consumption consequences association from 2007 to 2015, except in Iceland. When all surveys were combined, the decrease in alcohol-related consequences could be explained by a decrease in alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Overall, adolescents aged 15-16 years exhibited decreasing trends in both alcohol consumption, less markedly in Denmark, and in our sum index of alcohol-related consequences between 2007 and 2015. Except for Iceland, we found no support for a strengthening of the alcohol-consequences association with declining drinking among adolescents.

Characteristics of non-drinking adolescents: a longitudinal Swedish study

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether non-drinking adolescents (n = 195), with no previous experience with alcohol, differed over time from drinking adolescents (n = 406). Potential differences in psychological health (mental well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, conduct problems), social interaction frequencies (new friends, time spent with friends and social interaction through a screen device), psychoactive substance use, and positive attitudes towards alcohol was investigated. Additionally, the study examined whether these attributes in 9th grade could predict total abstinence two years later. Non-drinkers were consistently characterized by fewer social interactions, less positive attitudes towards alcohol, a lower probability of using other drugs, and fewer conduct problems from 14 to 17 years, which may imply a more introverted personality function. This study contributes insights into predicting factors linked to alcohol abstinence in adolescence, particularly the characteristics of non-drinking adolescents in a society where a declining trend of alcohol consumption is emerging.

Simultaneous Cannabis and Alcohol Use among Medical Cannabis Patients

Background: During the past two decades of cannabis legalization, the prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use has increased and there has also been an upward trend in alcohol consumption. As less restricted cannabis laws generate more adult cannabis users, there is concern that more individuals may be simultaneously using medical cannabis with alcohol. A few studies have examined simultaneous use of medical cannabis with alcohol, but none of those studies also assessed patients’ current or previous non-medical cannabis use. This paper explores simultaneous alcohol and medical cannabis use among medical cannabis patients with a specific focus on previous history of cannabis use and current non-medical cannabis use. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of MC patients (N = 319) from four dispensaries located in New York. Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression are used to estimate the extent to which sociodemographic and other factors were associated with simultaneous use. Results: Approximately 29% of the sample engaged in simultaneous use and a large share of these users report previous (44%) or current (66%) use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. MC patients who either previously or currently use cannabis non-medicinally, men, and patients using MC to treat a pain-related condition, were significantly more likely to report simultaneous alcohol/MC use. Conclusions: Findings indicate that there may be differential risks related to alcohol/MC use, which should be considered by cannabis regulatory policies and prevention/treatment programs. If patients are using cannabis and/or alcohol to manage pain, clinicians should screen for both alcohol and cannabis use risk factors.

Depressive Symptoms, Social Support and Employment: A Longitudinal Examination of Alcohol Use in Women

Introduction: There is a worrying upward trend in alcohol consumption by women during the middle of life stages. Alcohol consumption can have negative health consequences, some of which women are particularly susceptible. To address this alarming trend, it is necessary to understand the antecedents of alcohol consumption among women. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to examine the predictors of alcohol consumption between 2009 and 2018, in a sample of women in their 40s at the final time point.Methods: Data were drawn from four waves of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health over 9 years at four time points (2009–2018; N = 6900). Women were between 31 and 36 years old in 2009 and between 40 and 45 years old in 2018.Results: There was a 3% increase in the proportion of women drinking at risk levels between 2009 and 2018. A multinominal logistic mixed effects model found that, after adjusting for covariates, depression (relative risk ratio [RR] = 1.04, p < 0.001), high social support (RR = 1.17, p < 0.001) and employment relative to not working (RR = 2.32, p < 0.001), working in management compared to a professional role (RR = 1.51, p < 0.001) and no dependent child at home (RR = 0.80 [0.07], p = 0.017) were predictors of risky drinking compared to not drinking.Discussion: These findings underscore the importance of peer influence, mental health and stress associated with managing multiple responsibilities as key factors to address in targeting high‐risk drinking behaviors among women. There is a clear need for more opportunities for women to assess their relationships with alcohol and seek help in the process. Addressing this issue is paramount, especially considering its increasing prevalence.

Changes on risky drinking after the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil: results from three consecutive web surveys.

Risky drinking (RD) is associated with an increased risk of chronic and infectious diseases, injuries, and violence. This study aimed to assess changes in risky drinking (RD) in Brazil after COVID-19 outbreak, both overall and among individuals with self-reported chronic diseases and mental health disorders. We conducted three independent, anonymous web surveys in Brazil including adult participants: S1 (April/2020, n=19,257), S2 (August/2020, n=1,590), and S3 (January/2021, n=859). Participants were recruited through adapted snowball sampling and sponsored social network advertisements. RD was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise, designed to identify individuals at risk of alcohol-related problems. Logistic regression analyses with bootstrapping (B=2,000) were performed, with stratification by sex, age, education, employment, household size, and the presence of chronic and mental health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors, to address sample imbalances. The estimated prevalence of RD was 45.8% [95%CI 45.5, 46.1] in S1, 35.3% [95%CI 34.9, 35.6] in S2, and 33.7% [95%CI 33.3, 34.0] in S3. Participants with chronic diseases consistently presented lower RD prevalence across all three surveys, compared to those without such conditions. Conversely, individuals with mental health disorders presented higher RD prevalence than those without such diagnoses in S1 and S2, but not in S3. Despite the decrease in RD prevalence, monitoring of alcohol consumption trends remains essential for shaping effective public health policies. Additionally, the observed variations among individuals reporting chronic and mental health disorders highlight the need for targeted interventions in future crises.

Global Trends in the Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption Among School-Going Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years

PurposeAdolescent alcohol consumption is detrimental to multiple facets of health. However, there is a scarcity of data available on time trends in adolescents' alcohol consumption particularly from non-Western countries and low- and middle-income countries. Thus, we examined the temporal trend of alcohol use in a large representative sample of school-going adolescents aged 12–15 years from 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. MethodsData from the Global School-based Student Health Survey were analyzed. Alcohol consumption referred to consuming alcohol on at least one day in the past 30 days. Crude linear trends of past 30-day alcohol consumption by country were assessed by linear regression models. ResultsData on 135,426 adolescents aged 12–15 years were analyzed [mean (standard deviation) age 13.8 (1.0) years; 52.0% females]. The overall mean prevalence of past 30-day alcohol consumption was 14.1%. Of the 22 countries included in the study, increasing, decreasing, and stable trends were observed in 3, 8, and 11 countries, respectively. Specifically, significant increases were observed in Benin between 2009 (16.1%) and 2016 (38.6%), Myanmar between 2007 (0.9%) and 2016 (3.6%), and Vanuatu between 2011 (7.6%) and 2016 (12.2%). The most drastic decrease was observed in Samoa between 2011 (34.5%) and 2017 (9.8%), but the rate of decrease was modest in most countries. DiscussionAmong school-going adolescents, decreasing trends in alcohol consumption were more common than increasing trends, but the rate of decrease was limited in most countries, suggesting that more global action is required to curb adolescent alcohol consumption.