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India is a country having a largest youth population. According to census 2011 data around 41% of India's population is below the age of 20 years. During adolescence period most of the peoples are influenced by their peers. This influence can be in terms of attitude, values, behavior, decision regarding clothing, music, fashion, food habit etc. In some of the cases high influence of peer pressure can also be seen which had a very awful and long lasting effect on the person. Some issues like drug abuse, drinking alcohol, smoking, depression, mental illness, drop out, suicide etc are found among the students and peer pressure is one of the major causes behind this problems or issues. In spite of these, peer pressure also influence on the academic achievement of the students. In this paper we have studied the level of peer pressure among the students as well as peer pressure on the basis of gender. For the study researcher has taken 120 students of Tezpur University (2nd semester) from the school of Humanities, Sciences, Management and engineering as a sample. Standardized tool has been used for data collection. This paper is helpful for the teacher as well as the parents in handling their child during adolescence period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on an increased prevalence of diabetes, asthma and hypertension among women in reproductive age, understanding the risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial to inform policy and program interventions to address the problem. In this study, we empirically assessed the associations of behavioural factors such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use and a variety of socioeconomic characteristics with prevalence of NCDs in adult women. Methods: The data were derived from the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. The effective sample size for the present paper was 699,686 women aged 15–49 years in India. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis were conducted to find the preliminary results. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to find the relationship between NCDs and behavioural factors such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Moreover, population attributable risk was estimated in the present study. Results: It was revealed that 15.9% of women had any of the NCDs. A proportion of 0.8% of women smoked tobacco whereas 5.5% of women consumed smokeless tobacco. Also, a proportion of 1.2% of women consumed alcohol in the current study. The odds of having NCDs among women who smoked tobacco, consumed smokeless tobacco and consume alcohol were 16, 8 and 20% significantly higher than the odds of having NCDs among women who did not smoke tobacco, consume smokeless tobacco and consume alcohol respectively. The population attributable risk of having NCDs was 1.8% (p < 0.001) for women who smoked, 0.8% (p < 0.001) for women who consumed smokeless tobacco and 2.2% (p < 0.001) for women who consumed alcohol. Besides, the odds of having NCDs among overweight and obese women were 2.25 and 3.60 times greater than the odds of having NCDs among women who were underweight. Conclusion: The findings revealed that smoking and using smokeless tobacco and alcohol consumption were risk factors of NCDs in women. The findings also alarm the focus of maternal and child health programs on NCDs' risk factors like maternal obesity, due to their adverse health consequences on their children too. Also, the coexistence of higher levels of tobacco use and alcohol consumption requires different strategies to address the vulnerability of women towards NCDs, including screening and early detection of NCDs especially among those who smoke or chew tobacco and consume alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the 24th of August 2014 the state of Kerala announced that alcohol will be progressively banned through different phases, with a plan of implementing a complete ban by 2025. The ban was eased in July 2017; yet, it sparked heated debates about its impacts on the tourism industry, which highlighted the strong nexus between alcohol and tourism. Despite animated discussions continued online for months after the announcement of the ban, there have not been studies assessing the impact of the ban on tourism/tourists. Through a thematic analysis of online texts published on TripAdvisor, this paper explores tourists' perceptions and opinions of the implementation of the 'Dry Law' in Kerala. Moreover, this work also investigates whether the ban discouraged potential tourists to visit Kerala. Overall, our analysis reveals that the ban did not discourage potential tourists to visit Kerala, although many regarded the possibility of having moderate amounts of alcohol on holiday as pleasant. Importantly, our study also contends that the narratives about the 'Dry Law' produced and propagated online were often representative of political structures of power, which linked tourism to alcohol irrespective of the real impact of the ban on tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The present study aims to estimate the prevalence and correlates of multimorbidity among women aged 15–49 years in India. Additionally, the population attributable risk for multi-morbidity in reference to those women who smoke tobacco, chew tobacco, and consume alcohol is estimated. Methods: The data was derived from the National Family Health Survey which was conducted in 2015–16. The effective sample size for the present paper 699,686 women aged 15–49 years in India. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis were used to do the preliminary analysis. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was used to fulfil the objectives. Results: About 1.6% of women had multimorbidity in India. The prevalence of multimorbidity was high among women from southern region of India. Women who smoke tobacco, chew tobacco and consume alcohol had 87% [AOR: 1.87CI: 1.65, 2.10], 18% [AOR: 1.18; CI: 1.10, 1.26] and 18% [AOR: 1.18; CI: 1.04, 1.33] significantly higher likelihood to suffer from multi-morbidity than their counterparts respectively. Population Attributable Risk for women who smoke tobacco was 1.2% (p<0.001), chew tobacco was 0.2% (p<0.001) and it was 0.2% (p<0.001) among women who consumed alcohol. Conclusion: The findings indicate the important role of lifestyle and behavioural factors such as smoking and chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol in the prevalence of multimorbidity among adult Indian women. The subgroups identified as at increased risk in the present study can be targeted while making policies and health decisions and appropriate comorbidity management can be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues To review the burden of alcohol use in India, examine current policy initiatives and programs specific to India and provide a roadmap for future actions. Approach: A literature search was undertaken to review available published research papers, unpublished reports and anecdotal media information in the period 2000–2020 to assess the burden and pattern of alcohol use and appraise alcohol control policies in India. Key Findings: The per‐capita alcohol consumption among individuals aged 15+ years was 5.7 L, which increased over time. Prevalence of alcohol use varied across states with considerable impact on the nation. Regulatory policies and alcohol control programs vary across Indian states, with poor enforcement and implementation. Taxation and pricing policies are revenue oriented. Policies are needed to address the aggressive and innovative marketing strategies of the alcohol industry. The system for regular monitoring of alcohol burden and conducting alcohol policy analysis needs strengthening. Implications: Alcohol use and its public health impact would continue to increase in India in the absence of effective policy and programs; the country may not achieve its stated goal of relative reduction of alcohol use prevalence by 10% by 2025. Conclusion: The prevailing alcohol control policies and programs in India have been less than fully effective in controlling the burden of alcohol use and its associated impact. There is a need for comprehensive, evidence‐based and consensus‐driven national alcohol control policy to appropriately guide and support the Indian states in regulating alcohol and reducing the associated burden. Effective implementations of such policies are central to its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to examine event sponsorship decision making by the Indian drinks industry, comparing the non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks sectors. Design/methodology/approach – Data regarding event sponsorship activity, perceptions of event sponsorship, motives to sponsor, form of investment and structure of sponsorship was obtained from a sample of 61 drinks producers in India through a questionnaire. Mann-Whitney and logistic regression were employed to compare the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic sectors. Findings – The results suggest that the alcohol and non-alcohol drinks sectors sponsored a similar level of events, but in investment volume terms, sponsorship from the non-alcoholic sector is far greater than that of the alcoholic sector. While the two sectors are similar in many ways, the emphasis placed on certain motives for sponsoring events was different, with alcoholic drinks businesses placing greater importance on reaching niche audiences and increasing media coverage than non-alcoholic ones. Research limitations/implications – A limited number of areas of the sponsorship decision-making were covered, yet the study provides insights into the decision making of one of the key sponsoring industries: the drinks industry. Practical implications – Securing sponsorship is becoming more difficult and complex. By understanding how sponsors make decisions, including potential variations between companies within an industry, event organisers will be in a better position to tailor sponsorship proposals, enhancing the likelihood of obtaining the desired sponsorship contracts. Originality/value – Most sponsor decision-making research focuses on how sponsorship decisions can be improved so that they work better for the sponsor. This paper, in contrast, emphasises that by understanding how clients make decisions (i.e. sponsors), sellers (i.e. the sponsored) will be in a better position to win over competition and secure the desired sponsorship deals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of alcohol in one form or other has prevailed throughout the history of the world. The first half of this paper deals with the sociocultural roots of alcoholism and drinking habits in ancient India, besides discussing its socioeconomic implications and impact on several areas of life. In the second half, it presents the history of the implementation and repeal of total prohibition in Tamil Nadu state against the backdrop of incumbent Dravidian political parties and a series of statewide anti-liquor protests during 2016 -2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving intimate partner violence interventions requires understanding pathways to change among couples participating in these interventions. This article presents qualitative data from 18 males and 16 females who participated in a combined behavioral economics (contingency management) and cognitive behavioral therapy alcohol and violence reduction intervention trial in Bengaluru, India. Results confirmed several theorized pathways of change, as well as identified further mechanisms through which the intervention supported the change. These included the emotional impacts of incentives, perceived and actual accountability via breathalyzers and family involvement, and enhanced support gained through counseling skills. Findings reveal critical insights into intervention design for future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Several studies have demonstrated that driving under influence of alcohol and psychoactive drugs increases the risk of fatal accidents & hence increased mortality rates. This paper presents a retrospective study of Road & Rail traffic accidents in Mangaluru. Method: Over a six-year period (2010-2015), a total of 5226 autopsies were conducted at Govt. Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru out of which 1261 were Vehicular accidents (1117 - Road, 144 - Rail) .Various parameters were looked in these cases such as age groups, gender, type of Vehicle involved, Victim status, time of day, day of the week (weekdays/weekend), Season, type of intoxication, accident site etc. Results: 15.85% (n = 177) of all the Road Traffic Deaths & 9.72% (n=14) of all Rail deaths occurred as a consequence of either alcohol (16.83%, n=188/191) or drug overdose (n=3). 42.93% of victims belonged to 56 and above age group. Most commonly the e the vehicle which were involved in accident were motorcycles (around 51.83% cases). Conclusions: The results of this study reveals a strong positive association between the presence of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in road & rail traffic accident victims. The matter of grave concern is increasing trend of drunken driving leading to fatal accidents among adolescent age-groups especially in motorcycle vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:With changing attitudes to alcohol and an increasing life span in India, the prevalence of alcohol use and misuse in successive cohorts of older people is likely to increase. In this paper, we attempt to review the most recent evidence covering alcohol use and alcohol-use disorders in the Indian elderly. Methods:PubMed, PsycINFO and Indmed databases were searched using relevant keywords. Papers meeting eligibility criteria were selected through a sequential process of screening title, abstract and full text. Data were extracted into Excel sheets. Results:There was a dearth of pan-national studies. There were several methodological issues with many studies especially related to measurement. A substantial proportion of individuals above the age of 50 years are current consumers of alcohol and the prevalence is generally higher in urban compared to rural areas. Older women are generally likely to be alcohol abstainers. The general trend appears to be a reduction in current drinking among successive age cohorts over the age of 50. Alcohol consumption in the older adults is associated with educational status, health status, chronic morbidity, employment status, socioeconomic status, auditory/locomotor impairment and asthma. Conclusion:Alcohol use and misuse is a problem among the Indian older adults. With socio-demographic changes that will further increase longevity, this problem is likely to increase and policy-makers need to plan for it. Future research needs to improve validity and reliability in study methodology, as well as add to the current evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines the relationship of frequency, type of alcohol use, sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among married men living in economically marginal communities in Mumbai, India. The findings indicate that men who consume alcohol daily were four times more likely to have had extramarital sex in the past 12 months. In terms of sexually transmitted infections, men who were daily drinkers were four times more likely than those not consuming alcohol in the last month to have gonorrhea (NG) and Chlamydia (CT) infection and three times more likely to have had a past history of exposure to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and/or syphilis as determined by biological testing. These results demonstrate that men with daily alcohol use are at greatest risk for STIs and need to be targeted for community outreach, de-addiction services and sex risk reduction education program in India and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents data on the role and implementation of street theatre as a communications technique for HIV behavioral interventions in low income slum communities in Mumbai. Second, we situate the uses of street theatre as a social intervention strategy within a long history of outdoor drama as entertainment and social action in India. Street theatre with accompanying activities was a central element of the RISHTA project’s communications strategy in communities in Mumbai, designed to deliver tailored risk reduction messages to married men who were involved in extramarital relationships. The paper presents examples of the contents and delivery of alcohol risk reduction messages through street plays that were developed and performed by actors from low income communities. The paper situates street plays as part of the domain of prevention strategies, which can be effective in reducing HIV risks, including those related to alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines mapping and related data-gathering at geographical locations of vulnerable urban groups with regard to risky sexual behaviors and alcohol/drug use in the capital city of Delhi. The aim is to describe the situations of special geographic locations and sub-groups in relation to alcohol/drug use and risks of HIV/STI infections. The study was part of a community program for alcohol and drug users in slum communities in West and East Delhi carried out by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. As part of a WHO multi-centered qualitative study among selected groups, mapping was done at different sites concerning alcohol use, social contexts, involvement in sexual risk behavior, availability of sex partners and related factors. Easy access to alcohol and drugs, accompanied by availability of sex workers appeared as compound risk factors in the study sites. Reported risky sexual behaviors included nonuse or irregular use of condoms, multiple sex partners, group sex, and anal sex with hijras (eunuchs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we use Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) in critical event analysis to identify under what conditions alcohol is necessary in contributing to unprotected sex. The paper is based on a set of in-depth interviews with 84 men aged 18 = 29 from three typical low income communities in Mumbai who reported using alcohol and having sex with at least one nonspousal partner once or more in the 30 days prior to the interview. The interviews included narratives of critical events defined as recent (past 30–60 day) events involving sexual behavior with or without alcohol. The paper identifies themes related to alcohol, sexuality and condom use, uses QCA to identify and explain configurations leading to protected and unprotected sex, and explains the differences. The analysis shows that alcohol alone is not sufficient to explain any cases involving unprotected sex but alcohol in combination with partner type and contextual factors does explain unprotected sex for subsets of married and unmarried men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Rising trends in alcohol consumption and early drinking initiation pose serious health risks especially for adolescents. Learner’s prior knowledge about alcohol gained from the social surroundings and the media are important sources that can impact the learning outcomes in health education. The purpose of this paper is to map adolescents’ perceptions of alcohol in Punjab, India and how these perceptions are related to their attitudes towards their social surroundings and the media.Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire was created after informal discussions with local people who consume alcohol and discussions with alcohol-related experts. Students from five schools (n=379, average age=13.6 years) in the urban region of Punjab, India, filled in a questionnaire. Quantitative tests were performed on the questionnaire data. Summative content analysis was performed for the textbook content about alcohol from classes 1 to 10.Findings Data suggest that students gain knowledge about alcohol from multiple sources, including society, the media and education. While society and the media can give misinformation, education did not provide them with factual scientific information about alcohol. Students from financially marginalized social surroundings experience the presence and use of alcohol more frequently; they trust the media and celebrities somewhat unquestioningly and, hence, are more at-risk.Research limitations/implications All participants in informal discussions as well as all participating schools in the study were from urban regions. Data about individual’s socio-economic conditions was not collected.Originality/value This research investigates perceptions of alcohol that are derived from adolescents’ social surroundings, perceptions of the media and perceptions gained through educational guidance in a developing country. Such multi-dimensional investigations have not been conducted earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, alcohol consumption causes significant societal harm and is a leading risk factor for death and disability in adults. In India, 3.7% of all deaths and 3.1% disability adjusted life years (DALYs) can be attributed to alcohol. In the context of rapid economic development and emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic, India's lack of a consolidated and comprehensive alcohol policy has posed significant challenges to addressing this harm. In this context, the aim of our review was to undertake a comprehensive mapping of the State and national policy environment surrounding alcohol and its use in India, based on an analysis of policy documents. We did this though a scoping review of academic and grey literature, which helped to iteratively identify the websites of 15 international organizations, 21 Indian non-governmental organizations, and eight Indian Federal governmental organizations as well as State/Union Territory government sites, to search for relevant policy documents. We identified 19 Federal policy documents and 36 State level policy documents within which we have identified the specific policy measures which address the 10 categories of the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. We found that there are major gaps in regulation of marketing and price controls, with much of this controlled by the States. In addition, regulation of availability of alcohol varies widely throughout the country, which is also a policy area controlled locally by States. Through the clear elucidation of the current policy environment surrounding alcohol in India, policy makers, researchers and advocates can create a clearer roadmap for future reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption has been found to vary in prevalence, patterns of use and consequences across socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, socio-economic status and ethnicity. Studies have reported discrepant findings with regard to the phenomenology of alcohol dependence among women across societies. It is proposed that the social structure based on lineal organization may be a contributory factor. Utilizing the case reports of three women with alcohol dependence from the lower socio-economic strata, this paper attempts to conceptualize problem drinking within the social milieu of patriarchy. Adapting from the stress-process model, the proposed framework considers the patriarchal organization to have contributed to both sociological and personal vulnerabilities among these women. It is proposed that the respective patriarchs and prevalent social stresses, norms and expectations mediated both the initiation and continued consumption of alcohol. This implicates a pertinent need to expand interventions from merely focusing on the alcohol dependent individual to including even societal components. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Urban, middle-class Indians are a market demographic target of transnational alcohol companies seeking to exploit neoliberal-informed deregulation policies. Against this backdrop is an emerging drinking culture in Mumbai, in which women participate.Method: An ethnography with a friendship group of five middle-class, heterosexually-identified women aged between 22-24 years living in Mumbai. Poststructuralist informed analysis was performed on data from market mapping and venue mapping activities, interviews and participant observations.Results: A range of on and offline corporate marketing practices facilitated an understanding of drinking as a cool practice of freedom, individualism and equality. Participants' echoed this sense making, but they also described their drinking as occurring in a wider context of gendered inequality and national identities that made them vulnerable to sexual harassment and being 'against Indian culture'.Conclusions: This paper is the first to examine how a group of women make sense of their participation in an emerging Indian drinking culture, the wider material and discursive contexts enabling this sense-making, and the consequences for who and how such women can be in the world. The study highlights important similarities between this emerging drinking culture and the culture of intoxication documented in countries with a drinking culture norm. It also highlights the potential impact of the deregulation of alcohol sales and new marketing policies on groups of Indian women; and shows the importance of taking an intersectional approach that considers the interplay of gendered and national identities when analysing the impact of alcohol marketing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an Indo-US, research and intervention project for HIV/STI prevention and sexual risk reduction in urban poor communities in Mumbai, India in which formative research established the importance of reduction in alcohol use as one of the central features of the intervention. As a part of formative research, in-depth interviews with married women and men indicated that alcohol had a direct negative effect on marital relationships, violence, household economics and men’s involvement in extramarital sex. The project utilized diverse community intervention mechanisms over the course of a three year intervention effort. Comparison of pre-post intervention, cross-sectional samples showed a significant drop in overall use of alcohol in the study communities. Analysis of a longitudinal panel sample identified sub-groups of married men based on their demographic, behavioral and attitudinal characteristics at baseline who stopped drinking during the intervention period. Results also demonstrated that a reduction in men’s alcohol use during the intervention period was associated with a reduction in sexual risk behavior and related variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the role of alcohol production and use in the daily lives of people in India, from ancient times to the present day. Alcohol use has been an issue of great ambivalence throughout the rich and long history of the Indian subcontinent. The behaviors and attitudes about alcohol use in India are very complex, contradictory and convoluted because of the many different influences in that history. The evolution of alcohol use patterns in India can be divided into four broad historical periods (time of written records), beginning with the Vedic era (ca. 1500–700 BCE). From 700 BCE to 1100 CE, (“Reinterpretation and Synthesis”) is the time of emergence of Buddhism and Jainism, with some new anti-alcohol doctrines, as well as post-Vedic developments in the Hindu traditions and scholarly writing. The writings of the renowned medical practitioners, Charaka and Susruta, added new lines of thought, including arguments for “moderate alcohol use.” The Period of Islamic Influence (1100–1800 CE), including the Mughal era from the 1520s to 1800, exhibited a complex interplay of widespread alcohol use, competing with the clear Quranic opposition to alcohol consumption. The fourth period (1800 to the present) includes the deep influence of British colonial rule and the recent half century of Indian independence, beginning in 1947. The contradictions and ambiguities—with widespread alcohol use in some sectors of society, including the high status caste of warriors/rulers (Kshatriyas), versus prohibitions and condemnation of alcohol use, especially for the Brahmin (scholar-priest) caste, have produced alcohol use patterns that include frequent high-risk, heavy and hazardous drinking. The recent increases in alcohol consumption in many sectors of the general Indian population, coupled with the strong evidence of the role of alcohol in the spread of HIV/STI infections and other health risks, point to the need for detailed understanding of the complex cross-currents emerging from the past history of alcohol use and abuse in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the main results of the survey component of a mixed methods study of alcohol and sexual risk in a general population of young men 18–29 residing in low income communities in the Greater Mumbai area. The survey included demographic variables, and scales and indices measuring work related stress, social influence, exposure to alcohol in childhood, and currently, hyper masculinity, exposure to media and pornography, risk related leisure time activities and alcohol and alcohol/sex expectancies. Measures of alcohol use included frequency/amount/contextual use of six different types of alcohol, a general estimate of frequency and amount (AUDIT), and an estimate of total ml. alcohol consumed in the past 30 days, based on estimates of alcohol content in all types of alcohol consumed, by unit of consumption (glass, peg, bottle) etc. Sexual outcome measures included types and number of partners ever and in past year with and without alcohol, and a critical event with most recent partner (with or without alcohol) and culturally specific indicators of sexual health related to sexual risk taking. A cluster sampling protocol and the use of a screener produced a sample of 1239 men, 1071 thirty day drinkers and 161 nondrinkers. Logistic regression analysis (binary and multinomial) showed relationships between predictor variables and alcohol consumption and alcohol and sexual risk indicators as well as two of the sexual health indicators associated with extramarital sex. Risk behaviors are associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption in this low risk general population of married and unmarried men. Implications for intervention include: (a) reducing or eliminating home drinking, to reduce early childhood exposure; (b) including alcohol in sexual risk and HIV prevention programs; (c) improving couples (married or unmarried) communication to reduce men’s search for sexual alternatives, and (d) treating garmi as an indicator of sexual risk taking rather than STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether raising the price of addictive goods can reduce its burden is widely debated in many countries, largely due to lack of appropriate data and robust methods. Three key concerns frequently raised in the literature are: unobserved heterogeneity; omitted variables; identification problem. Addressing these concerns, using robust instrument and employing unique individual-level panel data from Indian Punjab, this paper investigates two related propositions (i) will increase in alcohol price reduce its burden (ii) since greater incomes raise the costs of inebriation, will higher incomes affect consumption of alcohol negatively. Distinct from previous studies, the key variable of interest is the budget share of alcohol that allows studying the burden of alcohol consumption on drinker's and also on other family members. Results presented show that an increase in alcohol price is likely to be regressive, especially on the bottom quartile, with a rise in the budget share of alcohol given budget constraint. This outcome is robust to different econometric specifications. Preliminary explorations suggest that higher per capita income increases the odds of quitting drinking. Results reported have wider implications for the effective design of addiction related health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of alcohol is a global issue associated with socio-economic and health consequences, while amongst tribal communities it has more complex associations linked to culture. Strengths-based approaches (in which the concept of resilience is prominent) have high potential of application in studies on the risky use of substances. In the current study, a descriptive phenomenology approach was used to capture the lived experience of a tribal community in Southern India. This was followed by thematic analysis of the data through an inductive as well as deductive approach. The study resulted in the identification of ten resilience (to alcohol use) themes, viz., perception & skills, relationship, absence of temptations to drink, social support systems, faith factors, awareness, positive outcomes, biological & psychological responses, financial factors, and alternative substances. One of the key findings is the identification of the tension between the pull forces of increased alcohol access and associated enablers vs. the inner resilience building social forces from NGOs. The resilience in the presence of opposing forces as identified in the community has implications in prioritizing interventions such as risk reduction and resilience promotion in the particular community at a point of time. The value of the study is based on the chosen combination of population segment (specific tribal community), methodology (thematic analysis), and a specific contextual frequency (resilience) within the spectrum of social determinants for alcohol use, that could more effectively inform the design of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholism is a health defect that knows no borders, affecting people of all ages, genders, races, body types, and religious beliefs. Numerous research studies have been conducted since alcoholism was formalized as a dangerous addiction to investigate its origins and risk factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for categorizing a person's alcohol intake, research has revealed that several factors influence alcohol misuse, particularly among youth worldwide, considered to be the most vulnerable victims of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism can strike suddenly and brutally or take time to develop. With the growing consciousness of the severe ill effects of regular alcoholism, various treatment alternatives are ready to support anyone bringing their life back in order, irrespective of how or when the problem with alcohol began. This study presents the current alcohol consumption status among the youth of pan India as an indicator and motivator for influencing alcohol abuse among youth. Material and methods: The study's goal is to present valid data to signify the severity of India's alcohol addiction among the youth. Data collection is done through official/authentic data repositories available for public use, news articles and contemporary research articles. Conclusions: The research indicates immediate enforcement of India's law to eliminate adolescent/youth alcohol addiction. It emphasizes creating sufficient awareness of the evil effects of alcoholism and the damage to life that it causes among the pan-Indian youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: In India, alcohol per capita consumption (APC) has substantially increased over the past 2 decades. Although consumption does vary across the country, consistent state‐level data are lacking. We aimed to identify all state‐level alcohol exposure estimates since 2000 to (i) model consistent current drinking (CD) (12 months) prevalence estimates for all 36 states/union territories (UT) in 2019 and (ii) compare state‐level CD trends with national‐level APC trends. Design A systematic review for studies on the Indian state‐level prevalence of CD, lifetime abstinence (LA), alcohol use disorders (AUD) or the quantity of alcohol consumed among current drinkers (QU) was conducted. Subsequently, statistical modelling was applied. Setting: Data were collected and modelled for all Indian states/UTs. Participants: Studies since 2000 referring to the general adult population (≥15 years) of at least one Indian state/UT were eligible. The total sample size covered was ~29 600 000 (males: females, 1:1.6). Measurements Results on LA, AUD and QU were summarized descriptively. For (i) the state‐, sex‐ and age‐specific CD prevalence was estimated using random intercept fractional response models. For (ii) random intercept and slope models were performed. Findings Of 2870 studies identified, 30 were retained for data extraction. LA, AUD and QU data were available for 31, 36 and 12 states/UTs, respectively. CD model estimates ranged from 6.4% (95% CI = 2.1%–18.1%; males) in Lakshadweep and 1.3% (95% CI = 0.7%–2.6%; females) in Delhi to 76.1% (95% CI = 68.1%–82.6%; males) and 63.7% (95% CI = 49.4%–75.7%; females) in Arunachal Pradesh. Over time, CD decreased in most states/UTs in the observed data, contradicting increasing national‐level APC trends. Conclusions: Alcohol use (measured as consistent current drinking) in India has large regional variations, with alcohol consumption being most prevalent in the North‐East, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jharkhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students are at an increased risk of developing substance use and related problems (SURP) because of the inherent stress associated with the professional medical course apart from the developmental risk factors. However, this is under-researched. Moreover, a comprehensive review on the prevalence of SURP among the medical undergraduates (UGs) and associated factors is lacking from India. To fill this gap, the current research work is aimed to review the existing literature on the magnitude of the SURP among UGs of India and its determinants. Methods: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases were searched for the original articles studying the prevalence of SURP among medical UGs of India, published from inception till date. Non-original articles, studies on behavioral addictions, and those not directly assessing the prevalence of SURP among the medical UGs were excluded. Results: A total of 39 studies were found eligible for the review. Alcohol (current use: 3.2%–43.8%), followed by tobacco (3.7%–28.8%) and cannabis (1.6%–15%), were the common substances used by the medical students. Among the females, an increasing trend of substance use, particularly of nonprescription sedatives (even higher than males), alcohol, and smoking, was seen. Family history, peer pressure, transition from school to college life, and progression in the medical course were important associated factors. Conclusion: Sensitizing medical students and college authorities, increasing the duration of training on SURP in medical curricula, and providing psychological support for the students with SURP could address this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has collected empirical studies, reviewed the data, and presented them in a single report to comprehensively understand the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Indian female adolescents. The findings indicate a dearth of studies on the issue; many studies have excluded females from being sampled. Those included have trivially explored and mentioned prevalence-related data in results or discussion sections only without much attention to spell out the findings per gender aspect. No specific emphasis has been given to female adolescents' alcohol consumption in any of the studies reviewed. Half of these studies have reported less than 20% prevalence, and the remaining half have measured less than 7% of the prevalence rate for alcohol consumption among female adolescents in India. However, the dearth of studies indicates that the actual figure of alcohol prevalence among female adolescents in India would be much higher than that. Empirical studies mainly focused on female adolescents' alcohol consumption are highly desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on the prevalence and determinants of smoking and smokeless tobacco (SLT), and alcohol consumption between slums and non-slums are quite limited. Using sub-samples from the National Family Health Survey (2015–16), prevalence and determinants of tobacco and alcohol use were estimated in eight Indian megacities (Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Meerut, Mumbai, and Nagpur) by residence and sex using binary logistic regression analyses. Inter-and intra-city differences in both forms of tobacco and alcohol by residence were assessed using interaction effect analysis. Strong intra-urban disparity in tobacco and alcohol use was observed. Both forms of tobacco use were higher among men and women residing in slum areas. Despite alcohol use being higher among men from non-slum areas (33.1%) compared to those from slum areas (27.7%), the likelihood of alcohol use was higher among men residing in slums (OR = 1.37;95%CI:1.06–1.77). Higher odds of SLT use were observed among men and women from slums than in non-slum areas. Both forms of tobacco use were higher in slums from North, East, and West Indian cities, whereas alcohol use was higher among males from East and South Indian cities. Continuous monitoring of tobacco and alcohol use in slums is warranted to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has escalated in recent decades, and the risk of diabetes-related mortality has increased dramatically due to the co-existence of hypertension (HTN). DM and HTN, having similar aetiology and disease mechanisms, are influenced by lifestyle factors and greatly contribute to critical health complications. This study attempted to explore the co-existence of DM–HTN and the potential determinants considering the rapid upsurge of both these diseases. National Family Health Survey data were used, which included 7092 adult diabetic individuals, to find out the prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic persons in India. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to accomplish the study objectives. Prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic individuals was approximately 37%. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with DM–HTN co-existence. In males, increased age, higher BMI, alcohol consumption, poorest wealth index, and non-smoking (tobacco) were the significant determinants of the co-existence of DM-HTN, while in females, they were increased age, higher BMI, and geographical region. This study unveiled the significance of healthy lifestyle maintenance and equitable health care services to prevent HTN among diabetics, along with promotion of the awareness and management of DM and HTN through appropriate pharmacological treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: India reported the highest number of road traffic crashes, related injuries, and deaths among all countries in the world, with 105,725 road traffic fatalities and 452,922 nonfatal road traffic injuries in 2007. In this report we present a systematic review of available literature on the use of psychoactive substances (alcohol and drugs) among road users, particularly those involved in road traffic crashes (RTCs). Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ind Medica, and several other databases were searched for reports published between 1980 and 2011 that present data on the prevalence or extent of substance use among road users in India. Results: Among the 23 studies eligible for the review, alcohol was reported by all, but only 2 mentioned the use of drugs. Most of the studies were hospital based, included injured or killed road users, and belonged to southern parts of India. Seven studies did not report any method for detecting alcohol use, whereas 7 used analytical testing, 7 used self-reporting, and 2 used observation. Utilizing the various means of verification, the studies reported that 2 to 33 percent of injured and 6 to 48 percent of killed RTC victims had consumed alcohol or drugs; only 2 mentioned drugs without specifying which types. Most studies did not distinguish between drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and none investigated alcohol or drug use among those responsible for the accident. Conclusion: A significant proportion of injured or killed road users in India had used alcohol before the accident. However, the existing studies cannot be used to estimate the risk of accident involvement among drunk drivers. There is a need for more rigorous research and capacity building on substance use vis-à-vis road traffic crashes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Fuel ethanol use is being encouraged in many countries, including India, to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and to reduce local pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to provide support to stagnating sugarcane-based industries. Indian public policy is to use a blend of 10% ethanol with petrol within the next few years. This translates into a large requirement for fuel ethanol. This paper examines the potential suitability of various carbohydrate-based agri-resources for ethanol production in India, and the resources required for this in different agroclimatic regions. The results show that sugarcane has the highest ethanol potential, followed by cassava, potato and cereals. On the basis of growing time (days) in the field, however, the large differences among crops disappear and their ranking at state and district level also changes. It was calculated that the biomass as well as land requirement for fuel ethanol for 2010–11 in India would be small, taking into account the total food grain production and land used for agriculture. Utilization of only 3–7 million tons of damaged food grains or surplus food stocks could meet the requirement for fuel ethanol up to 2010. This may, however, involve trade-offs with food security. Agricultural residues, especially rice straw, currently burnt in north-western India, and causing air pollution and global warming, could be a useful and cheap resource, if the technology for cellulose conversion is made available and is cost-effective. A proper auditing of costs involved in producing biomass for gasohol, their implications for energy security and the environment, and trade-offs with food security is required for policy consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazardous drinking is an important contributing factor to intimate partner violence (IPV) occurrence. However, only a limited number of community-based alcohol reduction interventions have been tested in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for their efficacy in reducing IPV. This pilot intervention study tested a 1-month combined behavioral economics and cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol use and IPV in Bengaluru, India. Sixty couples were randomized to one of three study arms to test the effect of incentives-only and incentives plus counseling interventions compared with a control condition. Alcohol use among male participants was assessed using breathalyzer tests. Violence experienced by female participants was measured using the Indian Family Violence and Control Scale. Couples in the counseling arm participated in four weekly counseling sessions. Male participants in the incentive arms earned a reward for sobriety (breath alcohol concentration [BrAC] <0.01 g/dl). Results showed that while incentives reduced alcohol use, there was a greater proportion of negative BrAC samples among participants in the counseling arm compared with the control group (0.96 vs. 0.76, p =.03). Violence also decreased in both intervention arms. The estimated mean violence score for the counseling arm was 10.8 points lower than the control arm at 4-month follow-up visit (p =.02). This study contributes important evidence to the field of alcohol reduction and IPV prevention approaches in LMIC settings and adds to the growing evidence that alcohol reduction is a modifiable means of addressing IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Though there are several interventions evaluated over the past 25 years, significant knowledge gaps continue to exist regarding the effective prevention of sexual violence. This study explored the socio-economic and context-specific distinctive characteristics of husbands and wives on sexual autonomy and unwanted sexual experiences of currently married women in India. Methodology: We have utilized the recent round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16) data for this exploration. The NFHS-4 survey had adopted a stratified two-stage sample design to reach out to the survey households. A total of 63,696 couples are included in the analysis comprising of women of 15–49 years age and men of 15–54 years age. Multivariate techniques have been applied to understand the adjusted effects of socio-economic and demographic variables on control over their sexuality and sexual violence. Results: Uneducated women married to uneducated men experienced more sexual violence and had less control over their sexuality than the other categories. The adjusted multivariate logistic model shows that educated husbands were significantly more likely to exercise control over their educated wives' sexuality (AOR = 0.88; CI:0.78–0.99). Women having older husbands were significantly less likely to be having no-control over own sexuality (AOR = 0.89; CI:0.83–0.95) and experienced sexual violence (AOR = 0.81; CI:0.70–0.95). Women having comparatively more-educated husbands were significantly less likely to experience sexual violence (AOR = 0.62; CI:0.47–0.81). Muslim women were significantly more likely to have no control overown sexuality. SC/ST women were significantly more likely to experience sexual violence (28%). Conclusions: This study highlights the factors associated with control over one's sexuality and preponderance to sexual violence: age, education, spouse working status, wealth status, husband's alcohol consumption, women autonomy, decision-making, and freedom for mobility. This study suggests that empowering women with education, creating awareness regarding reproductive health, and addressing their socio-economic needs to help them achieve autonomy and derive decision-making power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigated the correlation between substance use and non-communicable diseases according to socioeconomic status in India. Methodology: We analyzed nationally representative data from the fourth round of National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-4), which was conducted in 2015–16, and estimated the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption among 112,122 men aged 15–54 years. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of substance use on non-communicable diseases. Results: It was found that 45% of men in the sample used tobacco in any form and 30% consumed alcohol. Men aged 50–54 years, divorced, separated or deserted, uneducated, belonging to the scheduled tribes and in the poorest wealth quintile consumed significantly higher quantities of substances. The results show that men who consume tobacco and alcohol significantly more likely to have diabetes or heart disease. Correlation of substance use and non-communicable diseases shows that men in the age group of 50 to 54 years, who are married, with higher educational attainments and belonging to the Christian religion are significantly more likely to have diabetes or heart disease. Conclusion: This study concludes that men of low socioeconomic status, who are substance users are at higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study also highlights that men who consume tobacco and alcohol are significantly more likely to develop non-communicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study is trying to find the intergenerational changes in substance use by the males of three generations of cobbler community in Mumbai. Cobbler community was an occupational group that engaged in cobbling activity by tradition. Methods: For this study, inter-generational changes in substance use refer to the changes in the habit of receiving the various types of the drug by the male members of the household in consecutive generations (Grandfather, Father, and Grandson). The data for this study had been collected through the snowball sampling method from the 114 households. All three-generation (N = 342) has included for the present study. The analysis has done using the univariate and bivariate method using Stata/SE 12.0 software. Results: Tobacco smoking and chewing, as well as alcohol addiction, is higher in most males of the second and younger generation, who are highly educated and engaged in the tertiary occupations. Substantial proportions of youths, who are still getting an education, are addicted to tobacco and alcohol. As for the cohabit of smoking and chewing tobacco with alcohol intake, the older generation is more vulnerable. In the small number of families, not one member of all three generations had ever consumed any substances, whereas, for most households, all three generations are the users of alcohol (33 out of 114), smoking (10 out 114), and chewing tobacco (03 out of 114). Conclusion: Our study shows that positive changes in the habit of drinking alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco have occurred over the generation. The first generation was primarily involved in the occupation of cobbling; therefore, they might be addicted to focus on their work. The last generation, however, has changed their profession and also increased the level of education among them. Nevertheless, there is still an addiction to alcohol, tobacco chewing, and smoking-related substance among the males of all three generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abuse of legal substances in India includes alcohol and tobacco, which are the major risk factors for various non-communicable diseases and deaths. The current pandemic has identified tobacco consumption as a risk factor for COVID-19, highlighting the need to control substance abuse. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of substance abuse in India and discuss the cost-effective public health strategies (such as yoga) to alleviate COVID-related anxiety in order to prevent substance abuse and its associated co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study reports the data on tobacco and alcohol abuse from a nationwide randomized two-arm diabetes control trial (Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata, 2017) conducted by the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) through Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), Bengaluru. Data of 30,354 participants who abuse tobacco and 30,159 participants who abuse alcohol were collected all over India. The prevalence is estimated at around 8.7% for alcohol abuse and 7.9% for tobacco abuse, Arunachal Pradesh state ranking the highest regarding both alcohol and tobacco abuse, while the Tripura state ranked the lowest. School and college-based mandatory yoga programs need to be implemented to prevent the increase of substance abuse in India to alleviate the psychosocial stress of adolescents and college-going students, besides the installation of the mindfulness-based diabetes yoga protocol (DYP) in the wellness centers of Ayushman Bharat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sexual behaviour of adolescents is of importance due to the engagement in risky sexual activity at a too early age, which may be associated with the adverse outcomes. The study aims to understand the transitions in adolescent boys and young men's high-risk sexual behaviour in India using two rounds of Indian demographic health survey, NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4 (2015-16).Methods: A total of 25,538 in NFHS-3 (2005-06) and 35,112 in NFHS-4 (2015-16) men were considered for the analysis. Men have been divided into two age groups as 15-19 years (adolescent) and 20-24 (young men) for comparison purposes. Descriptive and multivariate statistics have been used.Results: Overall, high-risk sexual behaviour has increased among adolescent boys (64 to 70%) and young men (18 to 27%) from 2005-06 to 2015-16. The trend of live-in relationship has increased among adolescent boys of rural areas (0.6 to 6.0%) as well as in urban areas (3.1 to 10.9%) over the last 10 years. Adolescent boys having 10th and above years of schooling (AOR = 1.98; p < 0.01), residing in urban areas (AOR = 2.23; p < 0.01), and belonging to the affluent class of households (AOR = 1.41; p < 0.05) were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual activity than the young men in India. The odds of high-risk sexual behaviour was higher among alcohol-using adolescent boys (AOR = 1.82; p < 0.01) and young men (AOR = 2.38; p < 0.01) in 2015-16.Conclusions: The study concludes that early sexual debut, lower prevalence of condom use at first sexual experience, tendency of live-in-relationship, and alcohol consumption indicate the hazardous interconnection between such behaviours among adolescent boys over the last decade which placed them at higher-risky sexual behaviour as compared to young men. Adolescent' sexual behaviours have both short-term and long-term consequences, and interventions that focus on multiple domains of risk may be the most effective in helping to promote broad reproductive health among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While research in high‐income countries (HICs) has established high costs associated with alcohol's harm to others (AHTO) in the workplace, scant attention has been paid to AHTO in the workplace in lower‐ or middle‐income countries (LMICs). Aim: To compare estimates and predictors of alcohol's impacts upon coworkers among workers in 12 countries. Methods: Cross‐sectional surveys from 9,693 men and 8,606 women employed in Switzerland, Australia, the United States, Ireland, New Zealand, Chile, Nigeria, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka. Five questions were asked about harms in the past year because of coworkers' drinking: Had they (i) covered for another worker; (ii) worked extra hours; (iii) been involved in an accident or close call; or had their (iv) own productivity been reduced; or (v) ability to do their job been affected? Logistic regression and meta‐analyses were estimated with 1 or more harms (vs. none) as the dependent variable, adjusting for age, sex, rurality of location, and the respondent worker's own drinking. Results: Between 1% (New Zealand) and 16% (Thailand) of workers reported that they had been adversely affected by a coworker's drinking in the previous year (with most countries in the 6 to 13% range). Smaller percentages (<1% to 12%) reported being in an accident or close call due to others' drinking. Employed men were more likely to report harm from coworkers' drinking than employed women in all countries apart from the United States, New Zealand, and Vietnam, and own drinking pattern was associated with increased harm in 5 countries. Harms were distributed fairly equally across age and geographic regions. Harm from coworkers' drinking was less prevalent among men in HICs compared with LMICs. Conclusions: Workforce impairment because of drinking extends beyond the drinker in a range of countries and impacts productivity and economic development, particularly affecting men in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in Indian individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has important implications for clinical decision making and for cross-cultural psychiatry research. Here, we present a systematic review of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders in Indian patients with AUDs. We find rates of comorbid mood disorders ranging from 6 to 65% (estimated overall effect from a linear random effects model of 18.0%, 95% CI [5.6, 45.1]) and rates of comorbid anxiety disorders ranging from 0 to 30% (estimated overall effect of 2.4%, 95% CI [0.9, 5.8]) in Indian populations. These findings are placed in the context of estimated population prevalence of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders in US adults with AUDs who have recently sought treatment of 40.7 (95% CI [32.6, 48.7]) and 33.4% (95% CI [25.2, 41.6]), respectively. Potential causes of these differences include differences in diagnosis, in cultural norms around alcohol use and the acceptance of mental health care, and in the types of studies being compared. The findings highlight the importance of systematic assessments of treatment outcomes in local clinical populations as a complement to an understanding of the medical literature from other cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking, alcohol consumption and chewing of tobacco affect the health of people as well as the socioeconomic structure of families, communities and eventually the nation. This study assesses the prevalence of substance use among municipal solid waste workers of Mumbai. Methods: To conduct the study, information was collected from 540 municipal workers of Mumbai with regard to substance use as well as their socioeconomic and occupational characteristics. To draw inferential statistics, the data was processed through multivariate logistic regression (MLR) and ordered logistics regression (OLR). Results: Multivariate regression suggests that waste loaders and street sweepers are significantly more likely to smoke, consume alcohol and chew tobacco with reference to the comparison group. Workers with more working years and morbid health status are significantly more likely to get involved with substance use. The results of OLR reveal that municipal waste workers are significantly more likely to consume alcohol on a daily basis (β = 0.220, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Socioeconomic characteristics significantly contribute in increasing the risk of substance use among workers. Workers defend their habit of substance use by considering it as a mechanism for coping with the filthy nature of their occupation. Evidence-based preventive measures need to be developed in order to reduce substance use among municipal solid waste workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mussaenda philippica (Rubiaceae) is a shrub distributed in all the planes of India, Philippines and South-East Asia. Its synonyms are M. grandiflora, M. acutifolia, M. frondosa etc. The plant is preferred as medication for the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, stomachache and influenza. The current study was based on the evaluation of antiulcer property of M. philippica leaves extract. Methods: The methods used were pylorus ligated, ethanol induced and 0.2(M) NaOH induced ulcer in rats. Results: In pylorus ligation model, aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) produced a substantial reduction in ulcer index followed by decrease in gastric volume, total acidity associated with a raise in pH, which, confirmed that tested extract of the plant act by altering the mucosal barrier Thus, the gastro protective effect of this extract may be due to the presence of flavonoid in the plant. In the same way, aqueous extract of the plant showed significant effect against ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rat as compared to methanol-treated group, which, may be due to leukotriene antagonistic effect or the inhibition of 5-lipooxygenase pathway. In NaOH induced ulcer model, aqueous extract of M. philippica revealed significant antiulcer effects on the basis of pH effect and ulcer index in rats. The anti-ulcerogenic and anti-secretory effect of the tested M. philippica leaves extracts point out its possible cyto-protective effect. Conclusion: In conclusion the aqueous extract of M. philippica leaves possess potential antiulcer activity in experimental rat models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use is an ever-increasing public health problem in the Indian society. Besides being a personal health risk, it is also a social and economic issue. The present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence and pattern of substance use in rural Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Material & Methods: A cross sectional community-based study was undertaken in rural Bhubaneswar in two phases, a pre survey qualitative assessment followed by the quantitative assessment. The prevalence, pattern and habit of use of different psychoactive substances were accessed using a predesigned pretested questionnaire among 574 study participants of greater than ten years of age. Results: The prevalence of use of at least one substance was 44.1%. Tobacco (smokeless) was the most commonly used substance followed by alcohol and smoked tobacco. Male gender, age greater than 40 years, joint family and being illiterate were the important predictors of substance use. Conclusions: A predominance of smokeless tobacco consumption was found in our study. Family members' being the source of introduction in majority of users is a matter of serious concern. Community based intervention strategies can be helpful in targeting the rural population for deaddiction and delivering a social message for curbing the use of harmful substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little work has been conducted to understand how alcohol marketers engage users with their brands’ Facebook pages in India and Australia. We aimed to evaluate and compare (i) the types of marketing techniques alcohol marketers utilize to facilitate user engagement on their brands’ Facebook pages and (ii) the extent to which users engage with these techniques in two diverse national contexts. We identified the ten most popular alcohol brands on Facebook in India and Australia based on the number of ‘likes’ for each official brand site. Brand websites and data analytic sources were accessed to collect metrics relating to number of likes, frequency of posts made by alcohol marketers on their brand websites and the resulting comments from fans, and messages relating to responsible drinking. The identified brands accrued substantial user engagement (e.g. Budweiser beer attracted 12.8 million likes in Australia and Foster’s beer 802,807 likes in India). The strategies employed were a mix of country-specific (e.g. India: inspirational talks and livelihood skills vs. Australia: posts related to the brand’s tradition or heritage) and generic approaches (e.g. alcohol sponsorship of sport, music, and fashion, offering consumption suggestions, organizing competitions, giveaways, and use of memes). This cross-national comparison illustrates that alcohol marketing on Facebook is user-focused and flexible, works with specific national contexts, and capitalizes on the cultural meanings users invoke in their interactions with sites. The study results also demonstrate the potential for brands to engage those under the legal drinking age by delivering alcohol content on Facebook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We sought to assess how widowhood among older adults in India was associated with alcohol consumption, smoking, and use of chewing tobacco or other drugs. Method: Data were collected in 2011 from 9,852 adults aged 60 and older from seven regionally diverse states in India. Regression analyses provided estimates of the relationship between widowhood and having smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol, or used chewed tobacco or other drugs in the past month among men, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. We also estimated the relationship between widowhood and past-month substance use among women. Results: Recently widowed men (within 0-4 years) were 1.76 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-3.09, p < .05) more likely to have consumed alcohol and 1.62 times (95% CI 1.01-2.59, p < .05) more likely to have used chewing tobacco or other drugs as compared with married men. Women widowed for any length of time were 1.37 times (95% CI 1.11-1.69, p < .01) more likely to have used chewing tobacco or other drugs. Discussion: Interventions aimed at reducing use of chewing tobacco or other drugs among older adults in India should consider focusing on recently widowed men and women widowed for any amount of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male migrant workers (MMWs) in India are vulnerable to developing alcohol-related problems and engaging in unprotected sex, putting them at risk of HIV. Research has shown that alcohol-related expectancies mediate vulnerability to alcoholism. We examined which expectancies were associated with sexual risk and drinking. We surveyed 1085 heterosexual MMWs in two South Indian municipalities, assessing expectancies, sex under the influence, and unprotected sex with female sex workers (FSW) and casual female partners in the prior 30 days. Men more strongly endorsed positive than negative expectancies (t = 53.59, p < .01). In multivariate logistic regression, the expectancy of having more fun helped drive the combination of alcohol and unprotected sex with FSW partners (OR = 1.22, p < .05), whereas the expectancy of better sex helped drive a similar combination with casual partners (OR = 1.24, p < .01). Men concerned about alcohol-induced deficits were less likely to drink with FSW partners (OR = 0.81, p < .01), but more likely to have unprotected sex with them (OR = 1.78, p < .01). To reduce risk, MMWs would benefit from combination prevention approaches that use behavioral strategies to address drinking norms and awareness of risk, while using biomedical strategies to reduce viral transmission when risk does occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the significance of eating and drinking within a series of diaries and journals produced in British colonial India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The discussion of food and drink in this context was not simply a means to add color or compelling detail to these accounts, but was instead a vital ingredient of the authors' understanding of health and medical treatment. These texts suggest a broader colonial medical understanding of the importance of regulating diet to maintain physical health. Concern with food, and the lack thereof, was understandably a key element in diaries, and in the eyewitness accounts kept by British soldiers, doctors, and civilians during the rebellion. At a narrative level, mention of food also functioned as a trope serving to increase dramatic tension and to capture an imagery of fortitude. In references to drink, by contrast, these sources reveal a conflict between professional and lay opinions regarding the use of alcohol as part of medical treatment. The accounts show the persistent use of alcohol both for medicinal and restorative purposes, despite growing social and medical anxieties over its ill-effects on the body. Close examination of these references to food and drink reflect the quotidian habits, social composition, and the extent of professional and lay knowledge of health and medicine in colonial British India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]