Exploring socioeconomic mechanisms that drive harmful alcohol consumption in the UK: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Alcohol, one of the oldest and most widely consumed psychoactive substances, holds a complex role across diverse societies. It can induce pleasure and relaxation but also poses significant risks, including cognitive decline, addiction, and a range of physical and mental health issues. In the UK, the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week to minimize health risks, with consumption exceeding this threshold classified as harmful. Harmful alcohol consumption contributes to over 200 diseases and is responsible for approximately 3 million deaths annually, accounting for 5.3% of global fatalities. Beyond its health impacts, excessive drinking imposes substantial social and financial burdens. Socioeconomic status plays a critical role in these outcomes, with individuals in lower socioeconomic groups more likely to engage in harmful drinking due to factors such as economic stress, limited access to resources, and cultural norms. This disparity is evident in higher rates of alcohol-related illness and death in disadvantaged areas, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to address these socioeconomic inequalities. 

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases PubMed and MEDLINE for pertinent studies on the socioeconomic factors influencing harmful alcohol intake in the UK in order was conducted. The initial search involved screening titles and abstracts for relevance, followed by a detailed review of full-text articles to ensure inclusion based on predefined criteria. This comprehensive approach enabled a broad range of literature and insights on the interplay between socioeconomic factors and harmful alcohol use. 

Results: A total of 11 studies were included in this scoping review. There were a variety of methodologies across the included literature including cross-sectional designs, longitudinal studies and birth cohorts. Five themes were identified: economic status, education, employment, social environment, and life course socioeconomic disadvantage. 

Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors on harmful alcohol consumption in the UK, revealing that economic stress, educational attainment, employment status, and social environment play crucial roles in influencing drinking behaviours. The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to address these socioeconomic disparities and reduce the burden of alcohol-related harm.