Alcohol consumption patterns in Mexican adolescents and adults: Ensanut Continua 2022

Abstract

Objective. To characterize alcohol consumption patterns (current and heavy episodic drinking) in Mexican adolescents and adults. Materials and methods. We analyzed data from Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022) representative at national and regional level. We estimated the prevalence of current drinking and heavy episodic drinking in the past 12 months, and in the past 30 days. Results. In adolescents, the prevalence of current drinking and heavy episodic drinking in the past 12 months, and in the past 30 days was 20.6, 13.9, and 5.2%. In adults, the prevalence of current drinking, heavy episodic drinking in the past 12 months, and in the past 30 days was 55.5, 40.4, and 19.1%. The prevalence was higher in men than women, with significant differences in adults. In adolescents, the prevalence was higher at older age, socioeconomic level and in those without studies. In adults, the prevalence was higher at younger age, higher socioeconomic level, and education, and in metropolitan areas. Conclusion. These results show the need to strengthen the implementation, monitoring and protection actions offered by SAFER strategy to prevent and reduce the harmful use of alcohol in adolescents and adults.