The social pattern of heavy drinking in Russia during transition -: Evidence from Taganrog 1993

Background: we examined the pattern of Russian alcohol consumption, in particular its link with the social and economic situation in Russia after the first year of 'shock therapy' and super inflation in a middle-sized Russian city, Taganrog. Methods: face-to-face interviews were conducted, with a sampling frame consisting of dwellings selected from an official register and stratified by type and size. Results: in 1993-1994 heavy alcohol drinking (>0.5 l of 40% alcohol/week) was very common among men in Taganrog (34%), while it was uncommon among women (3%). Male heavy drinking was closely related to social, economic and family characteristics. The lowest educational groups and those in manual occupations reported heavy drinking more frequently than others, independently of household income. Among men, quarrels and conflicts in the family were associated with a sixfold higher frequency of heavy drinking compared to families reporting good relations. The social transformation taking place at present is being accompanied by increased social and economic pressures on families. Conclusions: we suggest that heavy alcohol consumption is particularly common among men who are likely to have lost out during this transition. Russia's mortality crisis seems to be closely linked to its social transformation, but in different ways for men and women.