Alcohol use among adolescents in India: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Alcohol use is typically established during adolescence and initiation of use at a young age poses risks for short- and long-term health and social outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the onset, progression and impact of alcohol use among adolescents in India. The aim of this review is to synthesise the evidence about prevalence, patterns and correlates of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders in adolescents from India. Methods Systematic review was conducted using relevant online databases, grey literature and unpublished data/outcomes from subject experts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed and applied to screening rounds. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers for eligibility, and then full texts were assessed for inclusion. Narrative synthesis of the eligible studies was conducted. Results Fifty-five peer-reviewed papers and one report were eligible for inclusion in this review. Prevalence of ever or lifetime alcohol consumption ranged from 3.9% to 69.8%; and prevalence of alcohol consumption at least once in the past year ranged from 10.6% to 32.9%. The mean age for initiation of drinking ranged from 14.4 to 18.3 years. Some correlates associated with alcohol consumption included being male, older age, academic difficulties, parental use of alcohol or tobacco, non-contact sexual abuse and perpetuation of violence. Conclusion The evidence base for alcohol use among adolescents in India needs a deeper exploration. Despite gaps in the evidence base, this synthesis provides a reasonable understanding of alcohol use among adolescents in India and can provide direction to policymakers.

Problematic Alcohol Consumption, Knowledge of Alcoholic Drinks and Health Risks Among Future Health Professionals in Ifakara, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

“…Over 60% of reported current drinkers also revealed that they started drinking either because they felt like it, or due to peer pressure. This corroborates findings from previous studies conducted in Africa and Europe (Gowin et al, 2017;Howell et al, 2010;Nadkarni et al, 2022). Similar studies in the United States and Australia revealed higher drinking and binge drinking among adolescents who have friends and peers who drink than those who did not have friends or peers who drink (Cheadle et al, 2015;Rüütel et al, 2014).…”

“…Significant associations (p < 0.001) were also observed for institution and course of study. The higher prevalence of reported alcohol consumption observed among the study participants could be due to poor coping skills, easy access to alcohol, and positive expectations regarding alcohol use (Gowin et al, 2017;Howell et al, 2010;Nadkarni et al, 2022).…”

“…In developed countries, alcohol use can begin as early as age 13 (Arnaud et al, 2012;Bellis et al, 2009;Gore et al, 2011;Swahn, Bossarte, Ashby, et al, 2010). Studies in North America, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa reveal that risk factors associated with excessive alcohol use among young people include peer pressure, family history of alcohol abuse, male gender, poor social skills, unemployment, and increased availability of alcohol (Gowin et al, 2017;Howell et al, 2010;Nadkarni et al, 2022). A study in East Africa revealed that there is an increase in alcohol consumption among young people aged 15-24 years comprising mainly secondary school and college students and sex workers (Francis et al, 2014).…”

Lifetime alcohol‐use prevalence and correlated factors among street children in Iran

“…Besides, in many countries of the three regions, alcohol consumption starts before 15 years and could be 50–70% among 15‐years‐old people (WHO, 2019). Similarly, a recent systematic review in India has indicated that lifetime alcohol consumption among adolescents could be 69.8% (Nadkarni et al., 2022).…”

“…among 15-years-old people (WHO, 2019). Similarly, a recent systematic review in India has indicated that lifetime alcohol consumption among adolescents could be 69.8% (Nadkarni et al, 2022).…”