Abstract:
Background: Globally, alcohol consumption contributes to 3.3 million deaths and 5.1%
of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), and its use is linked with more than 200
disease and injury conditions. Our study assessed the frequency and patterns of Heavy
Episodic Drinking (HED) in Kenya. HED is defined as consumption of 60 or more grams
of pure alcohol (6+ standard drinks in most countries) on at least one single occasion per
month. Understanding the burden and patterns of heavy episodic drinking will be helpful
to inform strategies that would curb the problem in Kenya.
Methods: Using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) tool, a nationally
representative household survey of 4203 adults aged 18-69 years was conducted in
Kenya between April and June 2015. We used logistic regression analysis to assess
factors associated with HED among both current and former alcohol drinkers. We
included the following socio-demographic variables: age, sex, and marital status, level of
education, socio-economic status, residence, and tobacco as an interaction factor.
Results: The prevalence of HED was 12.6%. Men were more likely to engage in HED
than women (unadjusted OR 9.9 95%, CI 5.5-18.8). The highest proportion of HED was
reported in the 18-29-year age group (35.5%). Those currently married/ cohabiting had
the highest prevalence of HED (60%). Respondents who were separated had three times
higher odds of HED compared to married counterparts (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-5.7).
Approximately 16.0% of respondents reported cessation of alcohol use due to health
reasons. Nearly two thirds reported drinking home-brewed beers or wines. Tobacco
consumption was associated with higher odds of HED (unadjusted OR 6.9, 95% CI 4.4-
10.8); those that smoke (34.4%) were more likely to engage in HED compared to their
non-smoking counterparts.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight a significant prevalence of HED among alcohol
drinkers in Kenya. Young males, those with less education, married people, and tobacco
users were more likely to report heavy alcohol use, with male sex as the primary driving
factor. These findings are novel to the country and region; they provide guidance to
target alcohol control interventions for different groups in Kenya.