This study uses data from a nationally representative household survey (the 2013 National Health Survey, n = 62,986) to describe patterns of alcohol consumption and related behaviors among Brazilian adults. Analyses include descriptive and multivariable Poisson regression for self-reports in the past 30 days of: drinking any alcohol, binge drinking, binge drinking 4 or more times, and driving after drinking (DD); as well as age of alcohol consumption initiation. Results show that current drinking prevalence was 26%, with an average age of initiation of 18.7 years. Binge drinking was reported by 51% of drinkers, 43% of whom reported binge drinking 4 or more times. Drinking and driving was reported by nearly one quarter of those who drive a car/motorcycle. Current drinking was more likely among males, ages 25–34, single, urban, and those with more education. Binge drinking was more likely among males, older age groups, and people who started drinking before 18. Drinking and driving was higher among males, those with more education, and rural residents. Those who binge-drink were nearly 70% more likely to report DD. All behaviors varied significantly among Brazilian states. Given their potential health consequences, the levels of injurious alcohol behaviors observed here warrant increased attention from Brazilian policymakers and civil society.
University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America;University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America;Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America;Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America;Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America;Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua Delenda Rezende de Melo s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605–050, Goiania, GO, Brazil
Recommended Citation:
James Macinko,Pricila Mullachery,Diana Silver,et al. Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Related Behaviors in Brazil: Evidence from the 2013 National Health Survey (PNS 2013)[J]. PLOS ONE,2015-01-01,10(7)