Prevalence and determinants of alcohol use Disorder among Kachin adults: A cross-sectional study of behavioral, psychosocial and marketing influences

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant global public health issue, contributing to high rates of morbidity, mortality and socio-economic disruption. In Myanmar particularly in border regions like Kachin State, AUD prevalence and its associated determinants remain poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AUD among adult males in Kachin State and to identify behavioral, psychosocial and marketing-related risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three purposively selected townships of Kachin State. A total of 428 adult males (≥18 years) were selected using multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and defined as an AUDIT score ≥8. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder was 39.95% (95% CI: 35.40-44.68). Key factors associated with AUD were ease of access to alcohol (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 2.51-7.85), early initiation before age 18 (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.23-4.40), smoking while drinking (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.19-3.03), drink-driving history (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04-2.71), reporting alcohol-related health issues (AOR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.63-4.25) and depression (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14-2.03). Alcohol Use Disorder remains a pressing public health concern with multiple behavioral, psychosocial and environmental determinants. The strong associations with early initiation, risk behaviors, poor mental health and low awareness of harm indicate the need for early prevention, mental health support and public education. Interventions should also address alcohol accessibility and regulate marketing to mitigate the growing burden of AUD.