Alcohol consumption in the Western Province of Sri Lanka: Prevalence, patterns, and health implications.

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol contributes to global morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and patterns of alcohol use, its correlates with health related quality of life (HRQoL) and chronic medical conditions in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study (2018-2020) was conducted in Western Province recruited 1800 adults (>20 years) via multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Data collection included interviewer-administered questionnaires, physiological, anthropometric, and biochemical measurements. Alcohol consumption patterns were assessed with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and CAGE tools, and HRQoL with RAND-36.

RESULTS

A total of 1333 adults participated. Alcohol consumption at any point in their life was reported by 25.5 % of participants (95 %CI:18.9-32.1), and 21.3 % (95 %CI:16.8-25.7) had consumed alcohol in the past year. The prevalence was highest among males (56.8 %;95 %CI:46.2-67.4), those aged 40-49 (27.9 %;95 %CI:20.9-34.6), residents of Gampaha district (33.2 %;95 %CI:21.4-44.9), rural dwellers (27.9 %;95 %CI:18.3-37.6), and those earning $300-400 monthly (46.5 %;95 %CI:28.4-64.6). Daily consumption was 5.2 % (95 %CI:1.9-8.3), harmful alcohol use was 28.1 % (95 %CI:19.5-36.7), and clinical alcoholism was 26.6 % (95 %CI:19.5-33.8) among alcohol consumers. Those without clinical alcoholism had higher quality of life than those with the condition. Comorbidities among consumers included dyslipidemia (81.3 %, undiagnosed:58.5 %), hypertension (61.6 %, undiagnosed:33.9 %), diabetes (41.4 %, undiagnosed:11.3 %), and prediabetes (33.8 %).

CONCLUSIONS

One-fourth of Western Province adults reported alcohol consumption, highest among middle-aged, middle-income, and residents in Gampaha district. Cardio-metabolic diseases were high among individuals who consume alcohol, many remaining undiagnosed. Non-communicable diseases programs should focus high-risk screening, alcohol control, and preventive community initiatives.