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Abstract
Background: Alcohol harm is a major contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. This study aimed to identify the extent of heavy drinking and symptoms of alcohol problems among adult drinkers and associated demographic and other risk factors in the Tshwane Metropole of South Africa. Methods: A household survey was conducted using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. Heavy drinking was defined as consuming at least 120 mL for men and at least 90 mL for women of absolute alcohol on one occasion at least monthly while symptoms of alcohol problems were measured using the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen 4 (RAPS4). Stata 14.0 was used for the analysis. Results: Just over half (52%) of the sample reported heavy drinking, and half (50%) reported symptoms of alcohol problems. Gender race/ethnicity, marital status, mode of transport used to purchase alcohol, perceptions of alcohol availability and exposure to alcohol promotions and advertising through SMS and free offers when buying alcohol all impacted heavy drinking. Gender, age, personal income and exposure to alcohol promotions and advertising in magazines and newspapers all impacted symptoms of alcohol problems. Conclusion: The study raises important questions about various policy related mechanisms to curtail heavy drinking and highlights the need for more extensive research to assess the nature and extent of heavy drinking and alcohol problems in South Africa.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Research Coordinator (Elmarie Nel), the project assistants (Naledi Kitleli, Frans Masango, Shirley Hlope and Chantal Graca-Correia), as well as all the field supervisors and interviewers for their role in data collection for the survey. The authors also thank Natasha Morris and Ndabezitha Shezi for preparing the maps for sampling purposes. A word of thanks also goes to all the participants who gave of their time to take part in this research.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the IDRC.
Notes
1 The terms ‘white’, ‘black’ and ‘Coloured’ refer to demographic markers and refer to people of European, African and mixed (African, European and/or Asian) ancestry, respectively. These markers were chosen for their historical significance. Their continued use in South Africa is important for monitoring improvements in health and socio-economic disparities, identifying vulnerable sections of the population and planning effective prevention and intervention programs.