Prevalence, Correlates, And Behavioral Outcomes For Alcohol Gifting In China

INTRODUCATION: Alcohol gifting is a very common phenomenon in China. However, little is known about the potentially adverse consequences of alcohol gifting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol gifting and explore whether drinking and other substance use could be predicted by alcohol gifting. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional multi-stage survey, A sample of 982 household heads from Guangdong Province and 530 household heads from Shaanxi Province was collected online from 30 April to 30 July 2020 in China. Participants completed questionnaires regarding socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, drinking status, and gifting alcohol behavior. Chi-squared analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to verify the key factors associated with alcohol gifting, and to identify its relationship with alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, household annual income, province, drinking status, and social participation were prominent predictors for both offering and receiving alcohol. People who were married, had an education level of junior high school, and with a high social network were more inclined to receive alcohol. When two alcohol gifting behaviors were accounted for in the models, people who offered and received alcohol were 2.25 (95% CI: 1.70-2.96;) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.43-2.38) times more likely to be a current drinker than those who did not offer and receive alcohol, respectively. Receiving alcohol has been found to significantly predict current smoking status (AOR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.25-2.14), while those who offered alcohol were less likely to be current smokers (AOR=0.71;95% CI:0.53-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Social participation is an important correlative factor for alcohol gifting. Alcohol receiving behaviors not only predicts alcohol use but tobacco use significantly. The study data provide evidence to supports that it is necessary to further supervise and regulate alcohol gifting behavior to decrease alcohol consumption and other substance consumption.