Exploring perceptions of alcohol use in two Indian states: A qualitative study from Delhi and Haryana, India

Abstract

Aims: To explore perceptions and determinants influencing alcohol consumption, with a view to inform development of suitable policies to control alcohol consumption.Methodology: Focus group discussions (FGDs) (n=24) were conducted in two Indian states among the rural Haryana (n=8 FGDs; 58 participants) and urban Delhi (n=16 FGDs; 113 participants) populations. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants, who were from high and low socioeconomic status (SES) groups and in the age group of 18-58 years.Results: Different factors influence alcohol consumption in high and low SES groups. The age of initiation is now as low as 10-12 years, attributable to the recent trend of increased accessibility. The participants agreed that alcohol consumption has now become a more acceptable part of daily living, whereas earlier it was limited to special occasions and festivals. This has contributed to an increase in drinking. Drinking among women was earlier a taboo, but now women (mainly of high SES), are often seen drinking at social gatherings. The respondents mentioned weak enforcement of regulatory policies related to alcohol consumption and sales.Conclusions: A shift in attitudes was observed towards drinking. Drinking is increasingly seen as a part of daily life. The availability of alcohol is perceived to be increasing and restrictions on sale are not effectively enforced. There is an urgent need to re-evaluate the alcohol policy from a public health perspective in India.

The association between exposure to social media alcohol marketing and youth alcohol use behaviors in India and Australia

“…Consistent with existing research [ 25 ], we found statistically significant gender differences in the quantity consumed, with Indian females drinking less than males, but not in the expected difference in prevalence of drinking. This is potentially attributed to rapidly changing attitudes towards female alcohol use in India, especially among higher status groups [ 32 ]. Hence, these findings warrant more research exploring alcohol use among higher status groups and those with high levels of education, in India.…”

“…The legal drinking age in India ranges from 18 to 25 years, with sales banned to the whole population in certain states [ 31 ]. However, with urbanization and industrialization, economic transition, exposure through extensive alcohol marketing, increased availability, and relaxation of overseas trade rules; alcohol use is increasing in India [ 31 , 32 ]. Hence, both traditions and social change influence drinking culture in modern India [ 28 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Associations of alcohol consumption with chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors and socioeconomic-demographic characteristics in India

“…Another study suggests that females consume less alcohol, and that those who consume it use home-brewed or country liquor (Kumar et al, 2018). Furthermore, another study has shown that drinking among women was earlier a taboo, but now women are often drinking at social gatherings (Arora et al, 2017). Several other behavioral and metabolic risk factors may cause chronic diseases among women.…”