Factors Associated With Risky Alcohol Consumption Among Male Street Laborers in Urban Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Background: Alcohol consumption is of global concern. However, drinking patterns and associated factors remain under-investigated, especially among low socioeconomic groups such as street laborers. Objective: Using the social cognitive model as a framework for the study we aimed to identify factors associated with risky alcohol consumption. Methods: In a cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires, 450 male street laborers searching for casual works in Hanoi, Vietnam were interviewed. A logistic regression was applied in order to detect predictors of risky alcohol drinking. Results: During the last month, 45% of the participants reported daily consumption while the other 55% consumed weekly or less. Among the drinkers (416 out of 450, 92%), 27% were identified as high-risk drinkers who reported more than 14 standard drinks per week, while only 8% were lifetime abstainers. The multivariable logistic regression showed that older age, higher income were positively associated with a higher likelihood of drinking alcohol, while high school level negatively. The environmental predictor was the higher level of peer connection. The association between drinking and risky behavior was found positive with regards to the number of sexual partners. Conclusions: The study suggests that male street laborers are vulnerable to health risks. Decision makers should note that a significant proportion of this target group exceeds the guidelines for alcohol use and this should be included in future interventions or further research. A multisectoral approach together with an important strategy of education is needed to control alcohol use.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol consumption
• high-risk drink
• street laborers
• social cognitive theory
• sexual behavior
• Vietnam

Acknowledgments

LM analyzed data, wrote, and revised the manuscript. NVH designed the study, wrote the protocol, conducted fieldwork, wrote, advised, revised, and edited the manuscript. PNH and ER advised and reviewed the manuscript. GM supervised the study, reviewed the manuscript, and coedited the language of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

We greatly appreciated Prof. Michael P. Dunne, currently working as a senior lecturer at the School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and A/Prof. Joseph Debattista from Brisbane Sexual Health and HIV Service, MetroNorth Hospital and Health Service, Australia, who have advised the protocol of this study effectively. The authors thank male street laborers who provided their valuable responses to our study survey.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Funding

This study was supported by grants awarded from the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation from the Queensland University of Technology [Grant number N6988873], and the Australian Government's Overseas Aid Program (AusAID) [Grant number 2009-2011].