Zimbabwe’s latest urban health assessment reveals some concerning trends in alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Harare and Matabeleland South provinces top the list for high levels of alcohol consumption, with 29% and 28% of residents reporting consumption, respectively.
Bulawayo and Midlands follow closely, with 27% and 26% of residents consuming alcohol. A significant gender disparity emerges, with 26% of males above 18 reporting alcohol consumption, compared to only 4% of females.
This disparity is consistent across provinces, with males consistently reporting higher rates of alcohol consumption.
The frequency of alcohol consumption also raises health concerns. Nine percent of adult males rarely consume alcohol, while 2% of females report rare consumption.
Alarmingly, even moderate alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity among adults and adolescents.
For females, increasing alcohol intake heightens the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including pre-term delivery and low birth weight.
Tobacco use is another major concern, particularly among males. Eleven percent of males and 1% of females report using tobacco products, placing them at risk for non-communicable diseases like chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Provincial Tobacco Use Rates:
– Mashonaland Central: 14%
– Harare: 13%
– Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Masvingo:
11% each
These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing alcohol consumption and tobacco use in Zimbabwe, particularly among high-risk populations.
