Spatial autocorrelation patterns and factors associated with regular alcohol consumption behaviour among Thai men.

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a major health concern in Thailand contributing to addiction and disease. With 17 million Thai men regularly drinking alcohol, cultural norms and environmental factors influence consumption patterns. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) research has established connections between alcohol outlet density and increased drinking. Using Moran's I, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and spatial regression models, spatial clusters of alcohol consumption were identified across Thai provinces, with Chonburi Province showing the highest rate at 72.2% and Yala the lowest at 28.6%. Regular alcohol consumption among Thai men exhibited a positive spatial correlation, with Moran's I equal to 0.477. Bivariate analysis found significant spatial autocorrelation between alcohol outlet density (0.301), population density (0.237) and access to medical facilities (0.290), showing high-high clusters in urbanized areas and low-low clusters in southern regions. Spatial regression using the Spatial Lag Model (SLM) demonstrated that alcohol outlet density, population density and the proportion of the population to medical facilities are significant factors influencing alcohol consumption, explaining 49.2% of the variation in alcohol consumption. The findings suggest the need for targeted public health interventions in high-risk areas, especially in regions with dense alcohol outlets and urban populations, alongside developing policies to promote healthier behaviours and limit alcohol access.