Socio-demographic and socio-contextual factors associated with problematic alcohol drinking in the Eastern Hills of Nepal: a case-control study.

Background

In Nepal, alcohol consumption is traditionally accepted within the religious and cultural practices of tribal communities. The Dhankuta district of Nepal, a hilly area of Eastern Nepal, is home to many indigenous and tribal communities. However, the socio-demographic and socio-contextual factors related to problematic alcohol drinking in these high-risk groups remain unexplored.

Objectives

To examine how socio-demographic and socio-contextual factors contribute to predictors of problematic drinking in the Eastern Hills of Nepal.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in the Dhankuta district of Eastern Nepal in 2019. The CAGE questionnaire and AUDIT scale were used to identify problematic drinking. A sample size of 100 cases (male: female = 2.1) and 100 controls (male: female = 1.9) were purposively selected. Socio-demographic factors and socio-contextual factors were assessed. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. The predictive ability of the regression model was assessed using diagnostic test characteristics.

Results

In multivariable analysis, five factors remained significantly associated with problematic drinking after potential confounders were included: strongly disagreeing parental attitude toward individual's alcohol use [OR = 0.42 (0.18-0.98), p = .045], peer alcohol use [OR = 9.03 (1.21-67.38), p < .001], accepting alcohol offers made by friends (susceptibility) [OR = 33.10 (12.30-89.07), p < .001], lower socio-economic status [OR = 2.81 (1.12-7.04), p = .027] and nicotine use disorder [OR = 4.01 (1.28-12.54), p = .017]

Conclusion

Predictors of problematic alcohol use in a tribal region of the Eastern Hills of Nepal resemble those observed globally, suggesting the potential applicability of cross-cultural public health strategies.