The Gathering Storm: Alcohol Abuse among the Chinese in Asia, and the Public Health Response

Authors

Thomas F. BABOR, Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USAFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe from a public health perspective the effects of alcohol consumption on population rates of alcohol problems in China, Malaysia and the broader Asia Pacific region. The current situation in China and, to a lesser extent in other countries of Southeast Asia with large Chinese minorities, can be described as ominous. Strong pressures toward modernization of the consumer economy and the normalization of alcohol use portend increased drinking in the Asian region. After reviewing the possible contributing factors to alcohol-related epidemics, the article then evaluates the policy responses that are appropriate to the prevention of alcohol problems in the region. It is concluded that policies that limit access to alcoholic beverages, discourage driving under the influence of alcohol, reduce the legal purchasing age for alcoholic beverages, limit marketing exposure and increase the price of alcohol, are likely to reduce the harm linked to drinking.

Recommended Citation

F. BABOR, Thomas (2014) "The Gathering Storm: Alcohol Abuse among the Chinese in Asia, and the Public Health Response," Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies: Vol. 3: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://mjcs.newera.edu.my/journal/vol3/iss1/1