Pattern of Alcohol Drinking among Adults in Pha-An Township, Myanmar

Abstract

Alcohol drinking is one of the most risky health behaviours that might lead to several health problems and even to the death. The objective of this study was to assess the alcohol drinking patterns among the adults in Pha-An township, Myanmar which is located in South East part of Myanmar. Method: Data collection was conducted by face to face interviews to total participants 378, in which 264 from urban and 114 from rural areas. A structured questionnaire consisted of Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Time Line Follow Back (TLFB) for the last two weeks was used for face to face interviews. The data collected were analysed by descriptive analysis. Result: The results described more than 50 % of participants have alcohol drinking in their life time and alcohol drinking is more common in male participants. The three most preferred types of alcohol consumed in this area were Palm Tree Juice (86.5% of drinkers), Beer (61.3% of drinkers) and Home-made alcohol (42.3% of drinkers) in their life time. Among the participants who drank alcohol in the last two weeks, about 60% drank alcohol 1 to 5 times and over 30% drank more than 30 standard drinks (2.14 SD per day) in the last two weeks. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, more than 50% of participants drink alcohol and it is more common in male participants than female participants. Palm tree juice and homemade alcohol drinking were common in that area. Recommendation: It is strongly recommend testing the quality, safety and strength of the alcohol commonly consumed in that areas especially palm tree juice and homemade alcohols.