National alcohol survey of households in Trinidad and Tobago (NASHTT): the impact of alcohol on households

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of alcohol use among households (HHs) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and, whether the HHs where alcohol was used were more likely to suffer negative psychological, social or physical events. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional convenience sample of HHs was surveyed from a random sample of enumeration districts (ED). The interviewer-applied, field pre-tested de novo questionnaire had 5 domains and was developed over 1 1/2 years after literature review and consultation. RESULTS: 1695 HHs (from 53 EDs) responded with a response rate (RR) of 92%. Sixty-two (62%) percent of HHs consumed alcohol, distributed with 1-2 users (46%), 3-4+ users (16%). Viewpoints and experiences about alcohol included: 'alcohol consumption at family gatherings is a normal occurrence' (70%). 29% of HHs consumed alcohol in the presence of children. HHs that consumed alcohol were significantly more likely to report in the last 12 months HHs members falling sick, experiencing lifestyle related illnesses, having relationship problems between partners, having strained relationships within the HH, HH members calling in sick to work, behavioural problems of children at home, anti-social problems of children at home/school and violent behaviour by a member of the HH (p

The national alcohol survey of households in Trinidad and Tobago (NASHTT): willingness to support changes in policy, laws and regulations

OBJECTIVE: This study set out to determine what proportion of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) households (HHs) were willing to support changes in specific policies, laws and regulations in a national alcohol campaign. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional convenience sample of HHs were surveyed from a random sample of enumeration districts (ED) in T&T. The interviewer-applied, field pre-tested de novo questionnaire had 5 domains and was developed over 1 1/2 years after extensive literature review and consultation. Many of the WHO 'best buys' were included. RESULTS: 1695 HHs (from 53 ED) responded from a total of 1837 HHs approached, a response rate (RR) of 92%. In a national campaign the following proportions of HHs would support: setting the legal age for drinking at 21 years (82.4%); restricting (73.1%), banning (54.4%) alcohol advertising on TV and other media; banning all alcohol advertising at sports and cultural events (64.8%); banning radio stations playing songs with reference to alcohol use (71.3%); holding sellers of alcohol responsible for the amount of alcohol sold (79.5%); advocating that proof of age to be shown by persons buying alcohol (87.4%); placing more prominent warning labels on products displaying alcohol content (87.2%); placing more prominent warning labels on products showing harmful effects (88.5% ); increasing taxes on alcohol sales (87.7% ). CONCLUSIONS: HHs in T&T were willing to support changes in policies around alcohol, including many of the policies shown by the WHO to be effective in reducing the harmful consumption of alcohol.