Trends and Determinants of Alcohol Consumption in Turkey

Research Article

Özet

Introduction: This study explores the trends and underlying factors influencing alcohol consumption in Turkey, using data from the Turkish Health Survey (TÜİK) for the years 2010 and 2022.

Objective: The analysis focuses on the distribution of alcohol use by gender, age group, and the reasons behind the initiation of alcohol consumption.

Method: Data for this study were sourced from the Turkish Health Survey (TÜİK), which provides detailed statistics on alcohol consumption behavior among individuals aged 15 and above. The survey includes information on the prevalence of alcohol use, categorized by sex and age group, as well as the reasons individuals report for starting alcohol use.The analysis focuses on two main time periods: 2010 and 2022, to examine the trends and changes over the last decade.

Results: Findings indicate a slight decline in overall alcohol use between 2010 and 2022, with notable differences by gender and age. Furthermore, various socio-cultural factors, including peer influence, curiosity, and the desire for fun, are highlighted as significant drivers of alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: While alcohol use has slightly decreased over the last decade, gender and age disparities persist. The shift in reasons for starting to use alcohol from curiosity and peer influence to entertainment points to changing social dynamic. Policymakers and public health professionals must continue to monitor these trends to develop effective strategies aimed at reducing harmful alcohol consumption across various demographic groups.