Global burden of alcohol use disorders: Cross-cultural comparison

Issues. Alcohol use disorders (AUD) remain a significant risk factor for global burden of disease. Research suggests unrecorded consumption is estimated to be at least two-thirds of all alcohol consumption in the Indian subcontinent, one third in Eastern Europe and Latin America, and about half of consumption in Africa. The purpose of this paper is to assess the cross-cultural global impact of AUD among Caribbean, Latin America, and Indian regions. Description. Systematic review of individualized search strategies from electronic databases was conducted to identify the relevant literature that provided evidence about AUD including patterns, consequences, and policy among Caribbean, Latin American, and Indian populations. Lessons Learned. Global patterns suggest alcohol consumption is associated with affluence. Cultural differences influence the pattern of alcohol use and defining alcohol-related problems differ with risk/protective factors and beliefs. Most countries do not have adequate policies and strategies in place to address the effects of AUD. Recommendations. Recognition and action by public health professionals to initiate evidence-based prevention with incorporation of social determinants of health with alcohol-related health disparities is crucial. Initiatives aimed at addressing excessive alcohol consumption and the built environment such as improving environmental and socioeconomic conditions will benefit the global population. Prevention and intervention efforts should focus on the social ecological systems and policy development to address the global burden on AUD.