Bulawayo tops women's alcohol consumption in Zimbabwe?

Women in Bulawayo are consuming more alcohol than women in any other province in Zimbabwe, according to findings from the newly released 2023–2024 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS).

The report, compiled by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, provides a comprehensive snapshot of alcohol use patterns across the country, highlighting both gender and geographic disparities in consumption.

According to the survey, 9 percent of women in Bulawayo reported drinking alcohol in the month preceding the study - the highest prevalence nationwide. In stark contrast, Matabeleland North recorded the lowest rate, with just 4 percent of women indicating recent alcohol use.

The survey also underscores the influence of urbanization on alcohol consumption. Urban women were more than twice as likely to drink as their rural counterparts, with 10 percent reporting alcohol use in the last month compared to 4 percent of rural women. Researchers suggest that this gap could be linked to factors such as easier access to alcohol, differences in lifestyle, and urban social norms.

Among women who drink, consumption patterns vary widely. Approximately 32 percent reported consuming six or more drinks on days they drank - a level classified as binge drinking - while 26 percent limited themselves to just one drink. The rest consumed between two and four drinks. On average, female drinkers consumed about 3.4 drinks per drinking day, pointing to a mixed picture of moderate and risky consumption behaviors.

While women's alcohol use remains lower overall than that of men - only 6 percent of women reported drinking in the past month compared to 35 percent of men - the report highlights growing concerns around the intensity of alcohol use among women in certain regions, particularly urban centers like Bulawayo.

Health experts warn that heavy episodic drinking among women is a red flag for long-term health risks, including liver disease, hypertension, and mental health disorders. As Zimbabwe continues to confront a range of public health issues, including rising cases of non-communicable diseases, the ZDHS findings offer critical data to inform prevention strategies.

"This data is a wake-up call," said a public health official who reviewed the findings. "We must start paying more attention to how alcohol use, especially among women, is evolving in our communities. Targeted interventions are needed - especially in urban centers where the risk appears highest."

The ZDHS report provides vital evidence for healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy organizations working on substance use education and behavioral health programs, and signals a need for increased awareness and action around alcohol-related health risks among women.