Way of life, behavior and health impact of alcohol consumption among agriculture workers A case study in Mae Khum Sub District, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

        This study aimed to explore the way of life and behavior of agricultural workers related to alcohol consumption, and to assess the impact of alcohol consumption on their health by using a community participatory process. Data were collected by    indepth interviews from 10 agricultural workers, a group discussion with 40 stakeholders, and interviews of 220 participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
        The study showed that the reasons for drinking alcohol were; to express appreciation and gratitude, as offerings to supernatural beings or spirits to bring prosperity and to gain protection, to relieve fatigue after work, and to welcome guests, friends and relatives and on social occasions.
        Alcohol consumption had both positive and negative health impacts on people. The positive impacts were; increased appetite, helped them sleep easily, helped them feel more confident, fitted in with the group and followed the traditional practice. The negative impacts were; increased accidents, caused liver cirrhosis, led to violence within the marriage and led to the use of other harmful substances.
        For agricultural workers, drinking alcohol has been a way of life for many years, therefore the campaign to stop drinking needs to be provided appropriate and with accurate knowledge on the dangers of alcohol consumption to health.