Determinants of Binge Drinking Among Current Alcohol Drinkers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2013 Health and Welfare Survey

This cross sectional analytical study examined the prevalence and determinants of binge drinking (BD) among current alcohol drinkers (CAD) aged 20 years and older in Thailand (N = 52,847). Data from the Health and Welfare Surveys (HWS) were analyzed using chi square tests and multiple logistic regression. In 2013, nearly 69% of the 5,445 current drinkers reported BD. Multivariable analyses indicated significantly higher odds of BD among men (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.90-2.66; p < 0.001), younger adults (AOR range: 1.50-1.90; p < 0.001), individuals with household housing expenses (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.39; p < 0.05), and those with secondary/vocational or tertiary education (AOR range: 1.35-1.36; p < 0.05). Smoking was also associated with elevated odds of BD (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.23-1.62; p < 0.001). In contrast, respondents in high income groups had lower odds (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.87; p < 0.01), as did residents of non metropolitan areas compared with Bangkok (AOR range: 0.44-0.59; p < 0.01). In conclusion, binge drinking affected over half of Thai drinkers and was strongly linked to demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and behavioral factors. The frequent co-occurrence of alcohol use and smoking underscores the clustering of non-communicable disease risks, highlighting the need for integrated dual-cessation programs. While cross-sectional design and 2013 data limitations apply, these findings provide actionable evidence for public health agencies to implement targeted screening and intervention strategies for high-risk populations.