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

Abstract

Objective

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

Nearly half of adults in Geneva exceed national drinking recommendations, underscoring the need for improved public communication and targeted preventive strategies in primary care.