Alcohol Consumption Behavior of Urban Thai: The Banbu Community, Bangkok-Noi District, Bangkok

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the alcohol consumption behavior of Thai in urban area.

Design: Survey research.

Methods: A total of 966 residents living in the Banbu community, Bangkokwere recruited. A structured questionnaire and the Alcohol Use DisorderIdentification Test (AUDIT) were used. Data was analyzed using descriptivestatistics, and Chi-square test (c2).

Main findings: There were 404 persons (41.8%) who were alcohol drinkers.The majority of alcohol drinkers were male (67.6%) and mean aged 37.67±14.81years. The mean aged of first experience drinkers was 20.9±7.73 years. The ageof the youngest drinker was 7 years old. Among 37.3% of the drinkers, thehighest education level achieved was at the elementary school level. The majorityof drinkers were in the labor force (45.9%) with a mean income of 5,957.12±6,065.24 baht. The significant factor effecting first alcohol consumption wasfriends (33.3%).The frequency of drinking reported was: regular drinker =36.4%, moderate drinker = 32.7%, and occasional drinker = 30.9%. The levelof drinking by AUDIT screening test found a low risk of alcohol-related problemdrinkers 61.9%, hazardous and harmful drinkers 38.1%. Men were found tobe more hazardous and harmful drinkers than women (31.7%, 6.4%). The mostpopular type of alcohol was colored spirits (61.6%). The average drinkingamount was 538 cc. per day for liquor and 1,536 cc. per day for beer. Genderwas significantly associated with drinking frequency, types, and the amount ofalcoholic beverages per day (p< .05). Education was significantly associatedwith types of alcoholic beverages (p< .05). An attitude of alcoholic drinkers wasmoderately correct. ( X 2.08±0.23)