Association between the initiation of strong chū-hai consumption and the incidence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use in Japan: An online survey-based cohort study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the initiation of strong chū-hai-an inexpensive Japanese ready-to-drink beverage with high-alcohol-content-consumption and the newly incident hazardous and harmful alcohol use among individuals who consume alcohol. METHODS: This cohort study is based on a three-year longitudinal internet survey conducted in Japan from 2022 to 2024. Respondents who completed all three annual surveys, did not drink strong chū-hai in 2022, and consumed alcohol without presenting hazardous or harmful alcohol use in both 2022 and 2023, were included. The outcome was defined as having newly developed hazardous and harmful alcohol use in 2024, defined as a score of ≥ 8 on the Alcohol Use Identification Test. We fitted a multivariable logistic regression model to examine confounder-adjusted association between initiating strong chū-hai consumption and the incidence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use. RESULTS: Of 5358 respondents from 33,000 surveyed in 2022, approximately 10 % (n = 533) initiated strong chū-hai consumption in 2023. In 2024, the prevalence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use was higher for those who initiated strong chū-hai consumption (7.7 %) than those who did not (3.1 %). Multivariable analysis revealed that initiating strong chū-hai consumption was associated with higher odds of hazardous and harmful alcohol use the year following (adjusted odds ratio 1.90, 95 % confidence interval 1.19-3.06, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The initiation of strong chū-hai consumption was associated with the incidence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use. Considering the global increase in sales of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, our findings serve as an important caution for policymakers worldwide.
Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Institutions: SHOWA Medical University, Keio University, Okayama Psychiatric Medical Center, The University of Tokyo, University of North Texas Health Science Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Science Tokyo, Kyoto University, National Cancer Centre Japan, Tohoku University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,380
Awards: Epidemiological research for heated tobacco products use and the impact in the life-course, Utilization and Empirical Analysis of Disease Burden for Health Care Challenges in the With/Post-COVID-19 Era, The determinant of rubella vaccination action among Japanese working population, Empirical research on health policy issues in Japan based on comprehensive burden of disease analysis, Health geographies integrating human life course and environmental changes, Prevention of pregnancy and postpartum depression by internet cognitive behavioural therapy., つくば型デジタルバイオエコノミー社会形成の国際拠点, Policy intervention targeting pregnant women or mothers and its impact on mothers and next generations: Evaluation by using natural experiments
OpenAlex ID: W7127350967