Does Reducing Alcohol Use Among People with HIV Alleviate Psychological Distress and Symptoms of Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial in Tshwane, South Africa.

Although alcohol use is associated with depression, it is unclear if brief alcohol reduction interventions can ameliorate depression and psychological distress among people with HIV (PWH). We use data from a two-arm randomised controlled trial to examine this question. PWH on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were randomly assigned to receive a brief intervention or treatment as usual (n = 622). Screening was done with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), AUDIT-C, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression inventory and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, at baseline and at 3- and 6-months post-baseline. Changes in depression and psychological distress was assessed using analysis of covariance models with baseline measures of alcohol consumption, sex and age included as covariates and adjusting for baseline symptom severity. Changes in alcohol consumption between baseline and follow-up were included in the analysis to establish if this affected outcomes. For both the intervention and control groups, there were significant reductions in symptom severity at 3-months and 6-months for depression and psychological distress, but no significant between group differences were observed. Reductions in alcohol consumption were significantly associated with reductions in depression and psychological distress, supporting the hypothesis that alcohol use is linked to depression among PWH.Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trials Register, PACTR201405000815100.nh.

Epidemiology of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Northwest Tanzania: implications for ART adherence and case management.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) are associated with poor health outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined current alcohol use and AUD among 300 PLHIV on ART at four HIV care centres in Northwest Tanzania. Participants' data were collected using questionnaires. Alcohol use was assessed using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between each outcome (current drinking and AUD) and sociodemographic and clinical factors. Association between alcohol use and ART adherence was also studied. The median age of participants was 43 years (IQR 19-71) and 41.3% were male. Twenty-two (7.3%) participants failed to take ART at least once in the last seven days. The prevalence of current drinking was 29.3% (95% CI 24.2-34.8%) and that of AUD was 11.3% (8.2%-15.5%). Males had higher odds of alcohol use (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.79-5.14) and AUD (3.89, 1.76-8.60). Alcohol use was associated with ART non-adherence (OR = 2.78, 1.10-7.04). There was a trend towards an association between AUD and non-adherence (OR = 2.91, 0.92-9.21). Alcohol use and AUD were common among PLHIV and showed evidence of associations with ART non-adherence. Screening patients for alcohol use and AUD in HIV clinics may increase ART adherence.

Adolescent Health Series - Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A narrative review.

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by adolescents are major contributors to death and disability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper reviews the extent of adolescents' ATOD use, risk and protective factors, and studies evaluating prevention interventions for adolescents in SSA. It also describes the harms associated with adolescents' ATOD use in SSA, which mainly include interpersonal violence, sexual risk behaviours, and negative academic outcomes. We use the socio-ecological model as our framework for understanding ATOD use risk and protective factors at individual, interpersonal, peer/school, and societal/structural levels. We used two strategies to find literature evaluating ATOD interventions for adolescents in SSA: (a) we sought systematic reviews of adolescent ATOD interventions in SSA covering the period 2000-2020; and (b) we used a comprehensive evidence review strategy and searched for studies that had evaluated ATOD interventions in all SSA countries between 2000 and 2020. Only two community interventions (a brief intervention and an HIV prevention intervention), out of four that were identified, were partially effective in reducing adolescent ATOD. Furthermore, only one school-based intervention (HealthWise), out of six that we uncovered, had any effect on ATOD use among adolescents. Possible reasons why many interventions were not effective include methodological limitations, involvement of non-evidence-based education-only approaches in some studies, and shortcomings in adaptations of evidence-based interventions. The scale of ATOD and related problems is disproportionate to the number of evaluated interventions to address them in SSA. More ATOD interventions need to be developed and evaluated in well-powered and well-designed studies.

Tobacco use and nicotine dependence among people living with HIV who drink heavily in South Africa: a cross-sectional baseline study.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV (PLWH) who drink alcohol and use tobacco are particularly vulnerable to tobacco-induced diseases due to an already compromised immune system. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use (cigarette and snuff) among PLWH who drink heavily. METHODS: Participants (n = 623) on antiretroviral therapy for HIV who reported heavy drinking using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDIT-C were recruited from six hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The Fagerström test was used to assess nicotine dependence. Chi Square tests and modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with tobacco use. RESULTS: Almost half of the participants reported ever smoking (44.0%; CI: 40.1-47.9) and about a quarter reported ever using snuff (25.5%; CI: 22.2-29.1). Current smokers and current snuff users comprised 27.3% (CI: 23.9-30.9) and 19.1% (CI: 16.2-22.3) of all participants respectively. Among current smokers, 37.9% (CI: 30.8-45.3) were moderately/highly dependent on nicotine. Current 'any tobacco product users' (ATPU: use cigarettes or snuff) were 45.4% (CI: 41.5-49.3) while 1.0% (CI: 0.4-2.0) currently used cigarettes and snuff. Adjusted regression analyses showed that, compared to males, females were less at risk of being: ever smokers (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] = 0.33; CI: 0.27-0.41), current smokers (RRR = 0.18; CI: 0.12-0.25), and ATPU (RRR = 0.75; CI: 0.63-0.89) but were more at risk of ever snuff use (RRR = 5.23; CI: 3.31-8.25), or current snuff use (RRR = 26.19; CI: 8.32-82.40) than males. Ever snuff users (RRR = 1.32; CI: 1.03-1.70), current snuff users (RRR = 1.40; CI: 1.03-1.89) and ATPU (RRR = 1.27; CI: 1.07-1.51) were more at risk of reporting significant depressive symptoms. We found no significant associations between smoking status and years on ART and viral load. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of cigarette and snuff use among PLWH who drink heavily. Tobacco use cessation interventions tailored specifically for this population and according to their tobacco product of choice are urgently needed given their vulnerability to ill-health.

Social Support and the Mediating Roles of Alcohol Use and Adherence Self-Efficacy on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Among ART Recipients in Gauteng, South Africa.

We sought to (a) replicate and (b) extend (via the addition of alcohol use) Cha et al.'s cross-sectional multi-component model of ART adherence on the relationship between social support, depression, self-efficacy beliefs, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, among HIV patients in Tshwane, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, 304 male and female ART recipients were recruited. ART adherence was assessed using three manifest indicators: total adherence ratio, the CASE adherence index and 1-month adherence measure. Data were analysed using structural equation modeling. In our replicated model, social support had both direct and indirect relationships with ART adherence, and inclusion of alcohol use improved prediction of ART adherence. Direct and indirect effects of alcohol use on ART adherence emerged: adherence self-efficacy beliefs partially mediated the latter path. Findings highlight the importance of integrating into ART promotion interventions, the reduction of alcohol use, provision of social support, and enhancement of adherence self-efficacy beliefs.

"In this thing I have everything I need": perceived acceptability of a brief alcohol-focused intervention for people living with HIV.

Although hazardous/harmful alcohol use impacts response to HIV treatment, there have been few attempts to deliver alcohol-reduction interventions within South African HIV treatment services. As a first step towards implementing alcohol-focused interventions in these settings, we explored patients' views of the acceptability of a brief motivational interviewing and problem-solving intervention. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients recruited from three HIV treatment sites in Tshwane, South Africa, who had completed the intervention. Participants noted that the intervention was acceptable and appropriate. As a result of the intervention, participants reported less use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. They described greater use of problem-focused and emotional coping strategies for dealing with mutable and immutable problems, respectively. Their only recommendation for improving the intervention was the addition of booster sessions. Findings suggest that this intervention is acceptable to patients receiving HIV treatment and is perceived to be helpful for reducing their use of alcohol.

Psychosocial Factors Related to the Intergenerational Transmission of Externalizing Behaviors in Early Midlife.

BACKGROUND: To study the intergenerational transmission of externalizing behaviors. METHODS: Participants came from a community-based random sample of residents in two upstate New York counties (N = 548). Data were collected from mothers at mean age 40 and from their children from adolescence (mean age = 14, SD = 2.8) to early midlife (mean age = 43, SD = 2.8) at seven time points. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to study the psychosocial factors as related to externalizing behaviors in early midlife. RESULTS: First, maternal externalizing behaviors were indirectly associated with the offspring's externalizing behaviors through the offspring's substance use in adolescence, the offspring's partner's smoking patterns, and the offspring's marital conflict. Second, maternal cigarette smoking was indirectly associated with the offspring's externalizing behaviors through the offspring's substance use in adolescence, the offspring's partner's cigarette smoking, and the offspring's marital conflict. Third, maternal marital conflict had an indirect effect on the offspring's externalizing behaviors, mediated by offspring marital conflict. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that externalizing behaviors can be transmitted from parent to child informs the need for family-based interventions that are appropriate to adolescents.

Experiences of alcohol consumption and taking antiretroviral medication among men living with HIV in Tshwane, South Africa.

Hazardous alcohol consumption may compromise optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among patients. Adoption of hegemonic notions of masculinity may encourage health-risk behaviours, such as alcohol consumption, and discourage health-enhancing behaviours, such as ART adherence among men. This study aimed to explore linkages between masculinity, alcohol consumption, and taking ART medication among male ART recipients in South Africa. Male facilitators conducted five focus group discussions with 27 black male ART recipients aged between 28 and 65 years at five ART clinics. Eligibility criteria were: 18 years or older, at least three months on ART, and alcohol consumption in the past three months. Data were analysed inductively using thematic content analysis. The men demonstrated a masculinity that fostered commitment to taking ART. However, normative notions of masculinity in the men's social circles often compromised their timeous taking of medication. Fears of alcohol-ART interactions often led to intentional non-adherence to ART when drinking. Finally, healthcare provider-patient power dynamics seemed to prevent the men from discussing their challenges regarding alcohol use and ART adherence with their healthcare providers. Interventions that focus on addressing harmful hegemonic notions of masculinity among men are needed in community settings such as drinking establishments where men tend to socialise. Patient-centred approaches which enhance men's sense of involvement in their treatment are needed in healthcare settings.

Tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents in South Africa: shared and unshared risks.

OBJECTIVE: Tobacco and alcohol use by adolescents are major public health concerns in South Africa. However, the extent to which key psychosocial risk factors for tobacco use and alcohol use by adolescents in South Africa are shared or unshared is unclear. This study sought to examine the shared and unshared risk factors for tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents in Johannesburg. METHOD: Participants comprised 736 males and females aged 12-17 years who were recruited via a household survey conducted during 2004. The participants were interviewed using a questionnaire comprising measures of personal, family (parental bonding and family legal drug use) and contextual (school and neighbourhood) factors. Separate multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict lifetime alcohol use and lifetime tobacco use from variables within each domain (personal, family and contextual), controlling for demographic factors. RESULTS: Personal, family (parental bonding) and contextual factors (school factors) were primarily shared risk factors for tobacco and alcohol use, while family legal drug use and neighbourhood factors were largely unshared. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions addressing personal, parenting and schooling factors are likely to have an impact on preventing both tobacco and alcohol use, whereas interventions focused on ameliorating family drug use and neighbourhood factors may need to be more substance-specific.

Male circumcision, alcohol use and unprotected sex among patrons of bars and taverns in rural areas of North-West province, South Africa.

Strong research evidence has shown that medical male circumcision significantly reduces heterosexual HIV acquisition among men. However, its effectiveness is enhanced by behavioural factors such as condom use. Currently, little is known of unprotected sex associated with male circumcision (MC) among alcohol-drinking tavern-going men, or whether engagement in unprotected sex may differ between men who have been traditionally circumcised and those who have been medically circumcised. The study sought to determine the relative importance of alcohol consumption and MC as correlates of unprotected sex and to compare the risk of engaging in unprotected sex between traditionally circumcised and medically circumcised tavern-going men from two rural villages in North-West province, South Africa. Data from 314 adult men (≥18 years) were analysed. The men were recruited from four bars/taverns using systematic sampling. They responded to questions regarding their demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, circumcision status and method (where applicable), and engagement in unprotected sex. Descriptive analyses and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Age, education, relationship status, alcohol consumption and traditional male circumcision (TMC) were independently and significantly associated with unprotected sex. Specifically, probable alcohol dependence and traditional circumcision were independent risk factors for engaging in unprotected sex among tavern-going men. Traditionally circumcised men had a higher risk of engaging in unprotected sex than medically circumcised men. Interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, encouraging protective behaviour among men who have undergone TMC, and increasing condom use are needed in bar/tavern settings. HIV prevention education must be urgently incorporated into TMC programmes.

Alcohol use, sexual relationship power, and unprotected sex among patrons in bars and taverns in rural areas of North West province, South Africa.

We examined the relative importance of alcohol consumption and sexual relationship power (SRP) in predicting unprotected sex among 406 bar patrons in North West province, South Africa. We assessed participants' demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, SRP, and number of unprotected sexual episodes in the past 6 months. In correlational analyses, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with frequency of unprotected sex for both males and females. SRP was significantly associated with frequency of unprotected sex for males and marginally associated for females. In multivariate regression analyses, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with frequency of unprotected sex for both males and females. SRP's association was marginally significant for females and not significant for males. Alcohol consumption is more strongly associated with unprotected sex than is SRP among bar patrons. Combination HIV prevention approaches to curb problem drinking and increase condom accessibility, and regular and effective use are needed in tavern settings. SRP needs further examination among tavern populations.

Associations between alcohol use, other psychosocial factors, structural factors and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among South African ART recipients.

We examined whether alcohol use is associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence independently of structural and psychosocial factors among 304 male and female ART recipients in ART sites in Tshwane, South Africa. ART adherence was assessed by the CASE Adherence Index. Independent variables were demographic, structural, psycho-social, and alcohol use (AUDIT score) factors. In hierarchical multiple regression, demographic variables (Step 1) explained 4 % of variance in ART adherence (p ≤ 0.01). Variance explained increased to 16 % (p ≤ 0.001) after entering structural variables (Step 2); 19 % (p ≤ 0.001) after entering psychosocial variables (Step 3); and 24 % (p ≤ 0.001) after entering AUDIT score (Step 4). Alcohol use is independently associated with ART adherence.

Patterns and predictors of antiretroviral therapy use among alcohol drinkers at HIV clinics in Tshwane, South Africa.

Alcohol use is associated with compromised antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We aimed to identify patterns and predictors of ART use among alcohol drinkers. Using purposive sampling, we recruited 304 male and female patients from two ART clinics in Tshwane, South Africa. Interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising measures of demographic factors, psychosocial factors (i.e., ART adherence, self-efficacy beliefs, alcohol and ART interactions beliefs, ART-alcohol outcome expectancy, attitude towards drinking alcohol and taking ART and HIV stigma) and alcohol use (AUDIT). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and three multivariate linear regressions. Forty percent of the sample reported drinking alcohol. Half of the drinkers endorsed one of three unique patterns of ART use: (1) dosing ART earlier than required (2) taking ART while drinking alcohol and (3) skipping ART doses. The other half endorsed combinations of ART use on drinking days, for example, earlier ART dosing and taking ART while drinking alcohol was the most common combination. High adherence perseverance (a self-efficacy subscale) and a non-favourable attitude towards drinking alcohol and taking ART predicted the unique pattern of taking ART early when planning to drink alcohol. The unique pattern of taking ART despite drinking alcohol was predicted by higher levels of education (marginal significance) and experiencing low HIV stigma. A high score on the AUDIT and experience of high stigma predicted the unique pattern of skipping ART doses when drinking alcohol. Patterns of ART taking in alcohol drinkers in this sample are varied, and not always mutually exclusive. This apparent complexity of medication taking patterns among alcohol drinkers warrants further exploration. Furthermore, the finding that different psychosocial factors predict different ART-taking patterns suggests a need for programmes to improve alcohol-related non-adherence to ART to be multifaceted.

Efficacy of an alcohol-focused intervention for improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV treatment outcomes - a randomised controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Little research has examined whether alcohol reduction interventions improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and HIV treatment outcomes. This study assesses the efficacy of an intervention for reducing alcohol use among HIV patients on ART who are hazardous/harmful drinkers. Specific aims include adapting a blended Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Problem Solving Therapy (PST) intervention for use with HIV patients; evaluating the efficacy of the intervention for reducing alcohol consumption; and assessing counsellors' and participants' perceptions of the intervention. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial will evaluate the intervention among ART patients in public hospital-based HIV clinics in Tshwane, South Africa. We will recruit patients who are HIV-positive, on ART for at least 3 months, and classified as harmful/hazardous drinkers using the AUDIT-3. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Patients in the experimental group will receive the MI-PST intervention to reduce harmful/hazardous alcohol use. Patients in the equal-attention wellness intervention group will receive an intervention focused on addressing health risk behaviours. Patients in the control condition will receive treatment as usual. Participants will complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months post-randomisation to assess alcohol consumption, ART adherence, physical and mental health. We will also collect biological specimens to test for recent alcohol consumption, CD4 counts and HIV RNA viral loads. The primary outcome will be reduction in the volume of alcohol consumed. Secondary outcomes include reduction in harmful/hazardous use of alcohol, reduction in biological markers of drinking, increase in adherence rates, reductions in viral loads, and increases in CD4 T-cell counts. A process evaluation will ascertain counsellors' and participants' perceptions of the acceptability and effectiveness of the interventions. DISCUSSION: We have obtained ethical approval and approval from the study sites and regional and provincial health departments. The study has implications for clinicians, researchers and policy makers as it will provide efficacy data on how to reduce harmful/hazardous alcohol consumption among HIV patients and will shed light on whether reducing alcohol consumption impacts on HIV treatment adherence and other outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Register Number: PACTR201405000815100.

Self-reported alcohol use versus phosphatidylethanol in behavioral trials: A study of people living with HIV in Tshwane, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Accurately quantifying alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) is important for validly assessing the efficacy of alcohol reduction interventions. METHODS: We used data from a randomized controlled trial of an intervention to reduce alcohol use among PWH who were receiving antiretroviral therapy in Tshwane, South Africa. We calculated agreement between self-reported hazardous alcohol use measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; score ≥8) and AUDIT-Consumption (AUDIT-C; score ≥3 for females and ≥4 for males), heavy episodic drinking (HED) in the past 30 days, and heavy drinking in the past 7 days with a gold standard biomarker--phosphatidylethanol (PEth) level (≥50 ng/mL)--among 309 participants. We used multiple logistic regression to assess whether underreporting of hazardous drinking (AUDIT-C vs. PEth) differed by sex, study arm, and assessment time point. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 40.6 years, 43% were males, and 48% were in the intervention arm. At 6 months, 51% had PEth ≥50 ng/mL, 38% and 76% had scores indicative of hazardous drinking on the AUDIT and AUDIT-C, respectively, 11% reported past 30-day HED, and 13% reported past 7-day heavy drinking. At 6 months, there was low agreement between AUDIT-C scores and past 7-day heavy drinking relative to PEth ≥50 (sensitivities of 83% and 20% and negative predictive values of 62% and 51%, respectively). Underreporting of hazardous drinking at 6 months was associated with sex (OR = 3.504. 95% CI: 1.080 to 11.364), with odds of underreporting being greater for females. CONCLUSIONS: Steps should be taken to decrease underreporting of alcohol use in clinical trials.

Motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy intervention for patients on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in Tshwane, South Africa: A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact on alcohol consumption.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reduction of alcohol consumption is important for people undergoing treatment for HIV. We tested the efficacy of a brief intervention for reducing the average volume of alcohol consumed among patients on HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study used a two-arm multi-centre randomized controlled trial with follow-up to 6 months. Recruitment occurred between May 2016 and October 2017 at six ART clinics at public hospitals in Tshwane, South Africa. Participants were people living with HIV, mean age 40.8 years [standard deviation (SD) = 9.07], 57.5% female, and on average 6.9 years (SD = 3.62) on ART. At baseline (BL), the mean number of drinks consumed over the past 30 days was 25.2 (SD = 38.3). Of 756 eligible patients, 623 were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a motivational interviewing (MI)/problem-solving therapy (PST) intervention arm (four modules of MI and PST delivered over two sessions by interventionists) or a treatment as usual (TAU) comparison arm. People assessing outcomes were masked to group assignment. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the number of standard drinks (15 ml pure alcohol) consumed during the past 30 days assessed at 6-month follow-up (6MFU). FINDINGS: Of the 305 participants randomized to MI/PST, 225 (74%) completed the intervention (all modules). At 6MFU, retention was 88% for the control and 83% for the intervention arm. In support of the hypothesis, an intention-to-treat-analysis for the primary outcome at 6MFU was -0.410 (95% confidence interval = -0.670 to -0.149) units lower on log scale in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.002), a 34% relative reduction in the number of drinks. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken for patients who had alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) scores ≥ 8 at BL (n = 299). Findings were similar to those of the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS: In South Africa, a motivational interviewing/problem-solving therapy intervention significantly reduced drinking levels in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy at 6-month follow-up.

Alcohol Use and the Risk of Communicable Diseases.

The body of knowledge on alcohol use and communicable diseases has been growing in recent years. Using a narrative review approach, this paper discusses alcohol's role in the acquisition of and treatment outcomes from four different communicable diseases: these include three conditions included in comparative risk assessments to date-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and lower respiratory infections/pneumonia-as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of its recent and rapid ascension as a global health concern. Alcohol-attributable TB, HIV, and pneumonia combined were responsible for approximately 360,000 deaths and 13 million disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) in 2016, with alcohol-attributable TB deaths and DALYs predominating. There is strong evidence that alcohol is associated with increased incidence of and poorer treatment outcomes from HIV, TB, and pneumonia, via both behavioral and biological mechanisms. Preliminary studies suggest that heavy drinkers and those with alcohol use disorders are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness. Aside from HIV research, limited research exists that can guide interventions for addressing alcohol-attributable TB and pneumonia or COVID-19. Implementation of effective individual-level interventions and alcohol control policies as a means of reducing the burden of communicable diseases is recommended.

Alcohol consumption, harms and policy developments in sub-Saharan Africa: The case for stronger national and regional responses.

ISSUES: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has long been characterised as a region with weak alcohol policies, high proportions of abstainers and heavy episodic drinkers (among drinkers), and as a target for market expansion by global alcohol producers. However, inter-regional analyses of these issues are seldom conducted. APPROACH: Focusing mainly on the period 2000-2016, we compare alcohol consumption and harms, alcohol policy developments and alcohol industry activities over time and across the four sub-regions of SSA. KEY FINDINGS: Per-capita consumption of alcohol and alcohol-related disease burden have increased in Central Africa but stabilised or reduced in other regions, although they are still high. Most countries have implemented tax policies, but they have seldom adopted other World Health Organization 'best buys' for cost-effective alcohol control policies. Countries range from having minimal alcohol controls to having total bans (e.g. some Muslim-majority countries); and some, such as Botswana, have attempted stringent tax policies to address alcohol harm. Alcohol producers have continued their aggressive marketing and policy interference activities, some of which have been highlighted and, in a few instances, resisted by civil society and public health advocates, particularly in southern Africa. IMPLICATIONS: Increased government support and commitment are needed to be able to adopt and implement effective alcohol policies and respond to pressures from alcohol companies to which SSA remains a target market. CONCLUSION: SSA needs effective alcohol control measures in order to reverse the trajectory of worsening alcohol harms observed in some countries and reinforce improvements in alcohol harms observed in others.

On- and off-licensed premises drinking behaviour among adults in the city of Tshwane, South Africa: An analysis of data from the International Alcohol Control study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Alcohol use is among the leading risk factors for premature death and morbidity in South Africa. This study sought to identify factors associated with drinking behaviour in on- and off-licensed premises (typical occasion quantity and frequency) among adults in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. DESIGN AND METHODS: A household survey was conducted in 2014, using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling design. Participants comprised 982 adults (65% males) aged 18-65 years. Factors explored included socio-demographic variables and situational variables at on- and off-licensed premises. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to predict drinking behaviour at on- and off-licensed premises. RESULTS: The majority of the participants consumed alcohol in off-licensed premises (64% vs. 36%). However, participants who consumed alcohol at on-licensed premises were more likely to drink more alcohol and more frequently (weekly). Additionally, participants who consumed alcohol in above-average sized containers were more likely to consume six or more drinks and drink weekly. Being of high socio-economic status was associated with drinking weekly at off-licensed premises, while being less educated was associated with a significantly higher frequency of drinking at on-licensed premises. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to reduce alcohol use should target specific drinking behaviour at on- and off-licensed premises, for example, regulating the availability of alcohol in big-sized containers and the need for cutting down on quantity of alcohol and frequency of drinking for South African males who drink at on- and off-licensed premises.

Nicotine dependence and problem behaviors among urban South African adolescents.

Tobacco use and its concomitant, nicotine dependence, are increasing in African countries and other parts of the developing world. However, little research has assessed nicotine dependence in South Africa or other parts of the African continent. Previous research has found that adolescent problem behaviors, including tobacco use, tend to cluster. This study examined the relationship between nicotine dependence and adolescent problem behaviors in an ethnically diverse sample of urban South African adolescents. A community sample (N = 731) consisting of "Black," "White," "Coloured," and "Indian" youths aged 12-17 years was drawn from the Johannesburg metropolitan area. Structured interviews were administered by trained interviewers. Nicotine dependence was assessed by the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence. Logistic regression analyses showed that higher levels of nicotine dependence significantly predicted elevated levels of violent behavior, deviant behavior, marijuana and other illegal drug use, binge drinking, early sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use, despite control on the adolescents' demographic characteristics, peer smoking, conflict with parents, peer deviance, and the availability of legal and illegal substances. These relationships were robust across ethnicity and gender. The findings indicate the need for policy makers and prevention and intervention programs in South Africa to consider adolescent nicotine dependence in conjunction with comorbid problem behaviors, including other substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and deviant behaviors.