Risky alcohol use persists and rises among women - study
Smoking is continuing to decline
Tobacco use is continuing to decline, while alcohol consumption remains widespread and is increasing among women, with a “significant portion” of people using alcohol riskily, according to a recent government survey.
In a statement, the Social Policy Ministry said a “significant portion of drinkers display patterns consistent with risky alcohol use”.
It noted that while alcohol use had risen slightly, monthly consumption has remained stable.
The use of tobacco, meanwhile, has continued to decline, with fewer adults smoking today than previous years, and the gap between the numbers of male and female smokers is narrowing.
Cannabis use is “particularly prevalent” among young adults and men and is most consumed by those between the ages of 18 to 24, according to the General Population Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use in Malta for 2023.
Around 3,400 completed questionnaires were submitted for the survey, which took place among Maltese residents between the ages of 18 and 65.
The annual survey tracks long-term trends in the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, illicit drugs and gambling.
Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon said the ministry was “prioritising strengthened prevention efforts” and was working to establish a “Prevention Coordination Body” to coordinate prevention strategies.
National Focal Point head Manuel Gellel said the survey highlighted the need for further action to tackle alcohol consumption, “particularly regarding the narrowing gap between male and female drinking behaviours”.
The ministry said it was preparing to launch an updated National Alcohol Policy.