The Relationship Between Peer Alcohol Use and Alcohol Consumption Behavior: A Meta-Analysis of Research in Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzes a meta-analysis to derive reliable standard index values the intricate relationship between peer alcohol drinking and alcohol consumption behavior in Thailand from 2013 to 2022. Furthermore, it systematically compares the significant differences in these standard index values associated with the presence of peer alcohol use and various alcohol consumption behaviors across diverse research characteristic variables.

Methodology: A meta-analysis was conducted using the methods of Rosenthal & Hedges, focusing on a population of 19 research studies selected through the PRISMA 2020 process. The studies were chosen for their sufficient statistical values for meta-analysis and underwent quality assessment. The research tools included a quality assessment questionnaire and a summary of research characteristics that were validated for content validity. Data was analyzed using Jamovi, MAJOR-Meta-Analysis for JAMOVI, and R software.

Findings: Most of the studies were published between 2018 and 2022. The meta-analysis results indicated variability in findings across the research reports, with no evidence of publication bias. The standard index values revealed a positive relationship between having drinking companions and alcohol consumption behavior (r = .40, p < .001). Additionally, no significant differences were found in the standard index values based on various research characteristic variables.

Applications of this study: The research findings indicate that an increase in the number of drinking companions correlates with a rise in alcohol consumption behavior. Therefore, to encourage a reduction in alcohol consumption among the Thai population in line with the National Alcohol Control Action Plan Phase 2, efforts can be made to minimize or eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages at social gatherings and promote activities that do not involve alcohol.