Alcohol Advertising, Affordability and Availability, and the Effect on Adult Heavy Drinking and Symptoms of Alcohol Problems: International Alcohol Control Study (South Africa)

Background: Alcohol harm is a major contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. This study aimed to identify the extent of heavy drinking and symptoms of alcohol problems among adult drinkers and associated demographic and other risk factors in the Tshwane Metropole of South Africa. Methods: A household survey was conducted using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. Heavy drinking was defined as consuming at least 120 mL for men and at least 90 mL for women of absolute alcohol on one occasion at least monthly while symptoms of alcohol problems were measured using the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen 4 (RAPS4). Stata 14.0 was used for the analysis. Results: Just over half (52%) of the sample reported heavy drinking, and half (50%) reported symptoms of alcohol problems. Gender race/ethnicity, marital status, mode of transport used to purchase alcohol, perceptions of alcohol availability and exposure to alcohol promotions and advertising through SMS and free offers when buying alcohol all impacted heavy drinking. Gender, age, personal income and exposure to alcohol promotions and advertising in magazines and newspapers all impacted symptoms of alcohol problems. Conclusion: The study raises important questions about various policy related mechanisms to curtail heavy drinking and highlights the need for more extensive research to assess the nature and extent of heavy drinking and alcohol problems in South Africa.