Alcohol use is one of the leading risk factors worldwide for death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYS) and is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, accounting for over 3 million deaths each year. This burden is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries, including Tanzania, where not only is alcohol inexpensive and readily available, but it is poorly regulated with few resources dedicated to promoting its safe use. While alcohol use behaviors are generally understudied in this region, there is an even greater gap in knowledge surrounding women’s drinking behaviors. The research that does exist has identified a gender-based stigma in relation to alcohol use in Tanzania that disproportionately affects women’s ability to access and utilize treatment services and may lead to increased isolation and societal discrimination. Stigma also encourages secretive use behaviors which creates challenges in identifying high-risk women users and delivering care. These patterns are especially concerning as women with risky drinking behaviors face serious consequences, including an increased risk of gender-based violence and a greater chance of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Through surveys and in-depth interviews, this study aims to explore differences in alcohol use between men and women this study seeks to understand how and why women’s alcohol use behaviors differs from men. In studying this topic, our long-term goal is to minimize alcohol-related harm among women in Moshi, Tanzania by creating and implementing culturally appropriate alcohol-related interventions and treatments that are specific and effective for women in this region.

Start Date: 10/1/2021
End Date: 5/31/2022

Main Topic

Gender, Alcohol Use