Socioeconomic analysis of excessive alcohol consumption in Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: High levels of alcohol consumption constitute a relevant public health issue in Ecuador; in fact, it positions as one of the principal causes of death in the country. This research aimed to identify if the socioeconomic level conditions relate to the probability of a person consumption of alcohol in excess. Materials and Methods: The cardinal source of information is the 2014 Living Conditions Survey. The estimation method was a logit-type probabilistic model to determine the marginal effect of the socio-economic level in the probability of cataloging an individual as an in excess alcohol drinker. The socioeconomic level is a proxy of the poverty level, labor situation, and education. Results: The research demonstrates that poor people without finished education in the secondary or high level and who are unemployed, on average, have a higher probability of being a drinker of alcohol in excess. In addition to the economic factor, this probability increases if the individual is male, single, over 65 years old, and lives in the urban area. Conclusions: The policy design should address excessive alcohol consumption as a public health problem. The attention of politicians should be driven to the fundamental determinants of alcohol consumption to have effective results, especially to those closely linked with low socioeconomic levels.