Association between sociodemographic factors and alcohol consumption among adults aged 18–69 years in Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional study

Anel Ibrayeva, Шоранов Марат Едигеевич, M. Alchinbayev, Bakyt Ramazanova, Shynar B. Tanabayeva, Ildar Ravisovich Fakhradiyev

2025

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-094508
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of alcohol consumption including the patterns of heavy episodic drinking, among the adult population of Kazakhstan (18-69 years old) and identify key socio-demographic and regional factors influencing alcohol use. DESIGN/METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using the standardised WHO STEPwise approach. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 6720 adults aged 18-69 years from all 17 regions of Kazakhstan. RESULTS: Among participants, 54.1% had ever consumed alcohol, 42.5% in the past 12 months and 23.7% in the past month. Men had higher adjusted odds of alcohol consumption in the past 30 days (adjusted OR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.37 to 1.81) and heavy episodic drinking (adjusted OR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.24) compared with women. Younger adults (18-24 years) had lower odds of alcohol consumption (adjusted OR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.83) and heavy episodic drinking (adjusted OR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.94). Russians and Ukrainians had significantly higher adjusted odds of alcohol consumption (adjusted OR 1.48; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.98 and OR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.01, respectively). Significant regional differences were found, with higher alcohol use in the northern regions and major cities. Smoking was strongly associated with alcohol consumption (adjusted OR 3.08; 95% CI: 2.65 to 3.57) and heavy episodic drinking (adjusted OR 3.72; 95% CI: 3.05 to 4.54). Education, occupation and marital status were not significant determinants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the complexity of alcohol consumption patterns in Kazakhstan and the need for targeted public health interventions tailored to gender, age, ethnicity and region.