Alcohol dependence: the case of small Mauritius

Drugs and Alcohol Today,Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2016. Purpose This paper analyses the drinking behaviour of alcohol dependents in the small island economy Mauritius, which is characterised by different cultures and ethnic groups. The drinking culture of Mauritius as a nation has dramatically changed over recent decades. Design/methodology/approach Our analysis is based on a survey carried out on 300 alcohol dependents in different regions across the island in 2012. Information on alcohol consumption is derived from data obtained on the different types of drink consumed, their drinking preferences and habits, combined with information from the respondents on their alcohol intake. Alcohol-dependent individuals in this study are defined as those people who drink every day, drink in the morning before work and also drink during their work hours. Furthermore, they may also drink to get drunk and may encounter alcohol related health problems. Findings Our results first reveal that there is a gender gap in alcohol consumption with men being more dependent on alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, in the morning and at work. Second, the paper innovates by focussing on the most vulnerable segment of the population that is those working in the informal sector. There is evidence that operating in the informal sector or being self-employed enhances the probability of the individual to become alcohol dependent through daily intake and consumption at the work place. Informality is c...
Source: Drugs and Alcohol Today - Category: Addiction Source Type: research