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Prevalence of alcohol consumption and awareness of consumption guidelines: A population-based study in Geneva, Switzerland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Alcohol consumption remains a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. In Switzerland, approximately 1500 annual deaths are attributable to alcohol. This study aimed to assess awareness of national low-risk drinking guidelines and to estimate the proportion of adults exceeding them in Geneva, according to sociodemographic and health-related factors. In 2025, 7509 adults from the Specchio population-based cohort were invited to complete a questionnaire on alcohol consumption, knowledge of Swiss guidelines, and risk perception. Exceeding guidelines was defined as >2 drinks/day for men, >1 for women, or fewer than two alcohol-free days per week. Descriptive analyses and sex-stratified logistic regressions examined associations with sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables. Among 4274 respondents (mean age 51.5 years; 59.8% women), 88.3% reported alcohol use, among which 53.5% exceeded national guidelines. Women more frequently surpassed daily limits, whereas men and older adults more often failed to maintain alcohol-free days. Exceeding guidelines was associated with younger age, higher education, favorable financial situation, and substance use. Only 49.1% accurately identified the full guidelines, and 29.1% recognized cancer-related risks. Nearly half of adults in Geneva exceed national drinking recommendations, underscoring the need for improved public communication and targeted preventive strategies in primary care. • Over half (53.3%) of Geneva adults exceed national alcohol guidelines. • Women exceed daily limits more than men (62.4% vs 39.6%). • Only 49.1% knew complete guidelines; 29.1% recognized cancer risks. • Higher education and substance use predict guideline exceedance. • Clearer public health messaging on alcohol risks and guidelines are needed.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103415