Prevalence and determinants of smoking behavior among older adults in Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

This study examined the alcohol consumption among older adults in Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Gulmi District, Nepal. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 adults aged 60 years and above. Participants were selected from a total eligible population of 665 using the Yamane sample size formula and a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using a pretested questionnaire. Associations between alcohol consumption and explanatory variables were assessed using chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Alcohol consumption varied significantly across several socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between alcohol consumption and age, occupation, household ownership, agricultural land ownership, source of drinking water, access to sanitation, access to electricity, and receipt of the old-age allowance. In the multivariable logistic regression model, age, occupation, and ethnicity remained significant predictors of alcohol consumption. Older adults aged 65–69 years were significantly more likely to consume alcohol than those aged 75 years and above (OR = 8.62; 95% CI: 1.16–63.89). Likewise, respondents engaged in daily wage labour had substantially higher odds of alcohol consumption than those involved in household work (OR = 10.01; 95% CI: 0.89–111.72). In contrast, Brahmin older adults were significantly less likely to consume alcohol than Newar respondents (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02–0.39), reflecting the influence of cultural and religious norms on drinking behaviour. Alcohol consumption among older adults in Dhurkot Rural Municipality is strongly influenced by age, occupation, and ethnicity. These findings underscore the importance of culturally appropriate and community-based interventions targeting vulnerable groups to reduce harmful alcohol use and promote healthy ageing in rural Nepal.