Abstract: Objective To investigate the characteristics of alcohol consumption among residents aged 18 and over in Guangdong Province, providing a scientific basis for the formulation of relevant intervention measures. Methods Relying on the 2023 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance project, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was employed to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years from 14 counties and districts in Guangdong Province for a questionnaire survey on drinking behavior. A complex sampling weighting method was utilized to analyze drinking rates, frequency, volume, and hazardous and harmful drinking patterns, thereby exploring the characteristics of alcohol consumption across different demographic groups. Results A total of 8 844 permanent residents aged 18 and above in Guangdong Province were included. In 2023, the 12-month prevalence of alcohol consumption among residents aged ≥18 years in Guangdong Province was 46.3%. The drinking rate was significantly higher in males (61.5%) than in females (29.3%), with the highest prevalence (52.2%) observed in the 18-<45 age group. The rates of hazardous and harmful drinking were 5.7% and 4.5%, respectively. The average daily alcohol intake among drinkers was 12.6 g. Among drinkers, the frequencies of consuming alcohol ≥5 days a week, 1-4 days a week, and <1 day a week were 8.7%, 19.4%, and 71.9%, respectively. Key indicators such as the male drinking rate, hazardous drinking rate, average daily alcohol intake, rate of heavy episodic drinking, and all drinking frequencies other than <1 day a week were significantly higher for males than for females (all P<0.01). Mid-to-high frequency drinking (≥5 and 1-4 days/week) was more prevalent in rural areas, whereas low-frequency drinking (<1 day/week) was more common in urban areas. Although the 60 years and older age group had the lowest overall drinking rate, they exhibited the highest average daily alcohol intake, highest frequency of heavy drinking (≥5 days/week), and the highest rate of harmful drinking among all age groups. Conversely, while the 18-44 age group demonstrated lower drinking frequency and average daily consumption compared to other groups, they reported a higher prevalence of both overall drinking and heavy episodic drinking. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol consumption among residents aged 18 and over in Guangdong Province remains at a high level, particularly within the male population. To prevent and reduce the incidence of alcohol-related diseases, it is imperative to develop targeted health education and behavioral intervention models that address the distinct drinking habits of urban versus rural residents, as well as those of young to middle-aged adults and the elderly.

Key words: Risk factor surveillance, Alcohol drinking, Harmful drinking, Hazardous drinking