Alcohol among young people in Iraq: a systematic scoping review

Abstract

Introduction Young people in Iraq are exposed to conflict and trauma, and to alcohol references in uncensored international TV and media. Previous regional reviews indicate that alcohol is the least studied substance in Arab countries and no data on young people in Iraq were identified. Accordingly, we re-examined the scope of available literature on alcohol and Iraqi young people, including in studies where alcohol was not the primary focus. Methods Five major international databases (MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), Scopus, Web of Science) and one local Iraqi database (Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals (IASJ)) were systematically searched for published articles up to 16 September 2019. Original articles that included any alcohol data on general Iraqi young or student samples were included. Results Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria from a total of 3374 results. All studies were cross-sectional and quantitative. Most alcohol data were incidental rather than the focus of the studies. All but two studies used face-to-face or pen-and-paper surveys. Each study reported on alcohol differently—with most not using validated tools. A wide range of drinking prevalence was reported (2.2%–23.7%). Studies reported a relatively high rate (12.2–56%) of alcohol misuse among those that drink. Alcohol was associated with risky behaviour in the two studies that reported on this measure. Conclusion Results suggest a low prevalence of drinking compared to non-Muslim Majority Countries (non-MMCs), and a relatively high prevalence of risk amongst drinkers. More research is needed using study methods and validated screening or diagnostic tools tailored for the local Iraqi context.

Health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi adults

“…This study explored the health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi people in Sulaymaniyah/Iraq and found that while more than half were smokers, the minority of participants had healthy behaviors like low rate of alcohol and fatty foods consumption and had high a low‐fiber diet. As alcohol is officially banned due to religious and cultural factors, Iraq has one of the low rates of drinking compared to non‐Muslim countries (Al Ansari et al., 2022), perhaps, prohibition and culture may have a factor in the low use of alcohol. On the contrary, more than half of the participants were smokers.…”

Health Behaviors, Knowledge, Screening, and Attitudes Toward Colorectal Cancer among Iraqi Adults

“…This study explored the health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi people in Sulaymaniyah/ Iraq and found that while more than half were smokers, the minority of participants had healthy behaviors like low rate of alcohol and fatty foods consumption and had high a low-ber diet. As alcohol is o cially banned due to religious and cultural factors, Iraq has one of the low rates of drinking compared to non-Muslim countries [25], perhaps, prohibition and culture may have a factor in the low use of alcohol. On the contrary, more than half of the participants were smokers.…”

Alcohol and University Students in Iraq: Attitudes, Availability, and Use

“…Identifying alcohol use, attitudes, and perceived motives for drinking among students allows for an assessment of their vulnerability. We were only able to identify two studies in local journals that assessed attitudes toward 'addiction' in general and medical samples (Al-Hasnawi, 2006;Al-Hasnawi, Al-Hemiary, & Lafta, 2007;Al Ansari et al, 2022). To our knowledge, there is currently no literature about attitudes to alcohol consumption and alcohol policy in Iraq among Iraqi university students.…”

“…Despite the relatively low prevalence of alcohol use in the general population, risky drinking patterns are common among drinkers (Al Ansari, Dawson, & Conigrave, 2022). For example, the SSAI indicates that, on average, current drinkers consume more than six drinks per day on 10.5 days a month.…”