The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Alcohol Consumption: A Cross-Sectional Study in Khon Kaen, Thailand
Sutin Chanaboon MPh*, Manop Kanato PhD**
Affiliation : * Sirindhorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background and
Objective : Knowledge of the situation and risk factors associated with alcohol consumption are essential
for prevention and control measures of health consequences. This study aims to explore the prevalence of alcohol consumption
and the factors associated with alcohol consumption in the population aged 12-65 years.
Material and Method: This was a descriptive study. This survey used multi-stage sampling and face-to-face interviews,
carried out in both urban and rural areas. Those interviewed were a representative sample of 876 people in the ratio of one
male and one female to represent the household. Data were collected by interviewers between 1 January and 28 February
2012. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, multiple logistic regression,
OR and 95% CI of OR. This study was approved by the ethics and research institutional review board of Khon Kaen
University No. HE53121.
Results : The mean age of the respondents was 41.7 years (SD 13.6). The majority of the respondents were the head of the
family (33.9%), those educated to primary school level (44.6%), living in rural areas (55.9%), who were married (70.7%),
and who were farmers (35.3%). The prevalence of alcohol consumption during the previous week was 6.3% (95% CI: 4.7
to 7.9), during the previous month was 35.2% (95% CI: 32.0 to 38.3), and during the previous year was 41.0% (95% CI:
37.7 to 44.2). The factors associated with alcohol consumption were gender (male/female) AOR 6.5 (95% CI 4.4 to 8.9, p-
value <0.001) age group (25-44/45-65) AOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.4, p-value = 0.011) location (rural/urban) AOR 1.7 (95%
CI 1.3 to 2.4, p-value <0.001) educational attainment (bachelor or master degree/primary school) AOR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to
2.8, p-value = 0.031) and the occupation (laborer) AOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.4, p-value = 0.015).
Conclusion : Knowing the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol consumption are essential to understanding the
situation, solving related problems and using the information in the campaign for the prevention and control of alcohol
consumption.
Keywords : Alcohol consumption, Prevalence, Factors, Thailand
