Situational Alcohol Consumption, Laws, and Regulations in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to explore the situations of alcohol consumption and perception regarding alcohol control in Khon Kaen province. Participants of this study included 413 persons aged 15 years old and above who resided both within and outside of municipality areas and were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaires that were validated by specialists. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data of this study. 

The results showed that 42.9 percent of participants consumed alcohol at a frequent level. They reported starting drinking at the age of 17.4 years old. About 31% of participants were heavy drinkers and drove vehicles under alcohol influences. Most frequent consequences found from drinking alcohol were fighting (38.9%). Furthermore, the occasions that most participants drank alcohol were New Year’s holidays followed by Songkran festivals. Regarding access to alcohol, it was found that drinkers could purchase alcohol within only the average of 6.6 minutes. Regarding alcohol regulations and control, it was found that the most frequent violation was drinkers’ purchasing alcohol during prohibited time (37.5%), followed by vendors selling alcohol to already-drunk purchasers (34.2%), and selling alcohol to minors aged under 20 years old (27.4%).

Campaigns to prevent new drinkers are still necessary as law enforcement measures to prevent alcohol accessibility, along with limiting accessible to alcohol during holidays and festivals. Clear and continuing alcohol control measures at the provincial level are required to reduce the prevalence of drinkers and negative consequences from drinking.