Rates of alcohol usage among Vietnamese Australian Communities: A literature review

Abstract

Census data indicates a steady increase in the number of Vietnamese people migrating to Australia. Despite this there is a paucity of research examining alcohol usage within this community. A review of the literature was undertaken to examine the prevalence of alcohol use, related harms, and health service use. Vietnamese Australians were found to consume alcohol at a rate lower than that of Australians in general. However, the relevant research may not be generalizable, alcohol usage and associated harms may be under-reported, and prevalence rates contradicted the breadth and frequency of harms reported. These issues are discussed.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• Prevalence
• Vietnamese community
• Culture

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Tai Phat Cao for comments on a draft of this review and to Ms Karla Gough for her assistance in developing the framework for this review.

Declaration of interest

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