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Alcohol Consumption and Its Association with Health Traits: An Exploratory Study of the Oraon Scheduled Tribes of West Bengal
Bhubon Mohan Das, Tanaya Kundu Chowdhury and Subrata K. Roy
Published: 2026/03/01
Abstract
There are few studies on alcohol consumption, its demographic and socio-economic determinants, and its association with health traits among scheduled tribes in India. The present study explores the demographic and socio-economic determinants of alcohol consumption and its association with selected health traits among Oraons of West Bengal, India. Data were collected from 475 adult Oraons living in rural and urban areas of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Demographic, socio-economic, behavioural, and alcohol consumption data were collected using a well-tested questionnaire. Data on health traits, including anthropometric traits, blood pressure, and pulse rate, were collected using standard techniques and instruments. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ² tests, and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Around 36% of the surveyed individuals consumed alcohol, and around 22% of the drinkers consumed it daily. Findings indicate that the percentage of users was higher among males, older individuals, rural dwellers, married persons, non-literates, daily wage earners, and low-income individuals. Males and individuals aged thirty years and older were more likely to consume alcohol, whereas household workers were less likely to do so. Associations between alcohol consumption and health traits were statistically significant for most health traits. However, in multivariate and multinomial regression analyses, alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with any health traits. Nevertheless, targeted interventions may be needed, especially among youth, women, and older men.
