Exploring the role of stress as a mediator between multidimensional poverty, food insecurity, and alcohol dependency among the tribal male adolescents: a study in the Dooars region

Alcohol consumption among tribal male adolescents is a pressing issue linked to various social and health challenges. This study investigates how stress mediates the relationship between multidimensional poverty, food insecurity, and alcohol use, as measured by the AUDIT. Based on primary data, the study employed correlation and structural path analyses to fulfil its objectives. Results revealed that multidimensional poverty(β: 0.36), household food insecurity(β: 0.23), and stress(β: 0.39) have direct impacts on AUDIT scores. Additionally, multidimensional poverty (β: 0.16) and food insecurity (β: 0.15) also affect AUDIT scores indirectly through stress. However, the total effect of multidimensional poverty(β: 0.51) and food insecurity (β: 0.37) on AUDIT scores is greater than their direct and indirect effects. It is essential to manage multidimensional poverty and food insecurity effectively at the household level, as this may reduce stress and lower alcohol use. Comprehensive strategies are required to address multidimensional poverty, food insecurity, and stress.