highest alcohol consumption country in africa

The heavy influence of the alcohol industry on the development of national alcohol policies favorable to alcohol advertising and distribution has recently been documented in several African countries. As observed in Thailand, such an environment coupled with increasing incomes resulted in pronounced increases in rates of drinking among young women. Īfrican countries are categorized as low to middle income, and as such are often limited alcohol-policy environments. From the limited evidence available, factors associated with alcohol use among women in low to middle income countries included being single, higher socio-economic status and higher levels of education. The negative consequences of harmful alcohol use are illustrated by studies that identify women's alcohol use as a risk factor for HIV infection in Uganda and South Africa. Heavy drinking was found in 38% of women currently drinking in Nigeria and 20% among current female drinkers in Uganda. Prevalence of alcohol use in the past-year among women was estimated at 30% in Bostwana and 47% in Namibia. However, population-based surveys have documented rates of alcohol use and harmful drinking among African women that raise concern, including episodic binge drinking and regular high consumption. Īlcohol use among women in Africa has traditionally been quite low, and high rates of lifetime abstention persist in many African countries. The negative health and social consequences of alcohol use are further moderated by the volume of alcohol consumed and the pattern of use over time. Women also experience unique negative social consequences of alcohol use that impact health, from increased risk of domestic violence and stigma. Alcohol related morbidities include mental health disorders such as substance dependence and depression, and physical morbidities such as breast cancer, and HIV infection. Harmful patterns of alcohol consumption are strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Alcohol use is an important factor in any woman's health risk profile.

Highest alcohol consumption country in africa