Drinking Behavior of Muslim Iranians

• In Event: 368 - Section on Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 01. Alcohol Consumption Across the Globe

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Islam. Trading and consumption of alcoholic drinks is illegal in Iran. However, despite the ban on alcohol and its prohibition in Islam, Iranians have a notably high alcohol consumption rate. Alcohol consumption has not been widely studied in Iran and most of the research has been done in the medical field. Moreover, the effect of religiosity on alcohol use among Iranians is not sufficiently studied. The current study aims to investigate the paradox of high rates of alcohol use among Muslim Iranians. Due to lack of access to a random sample, snowball sampling was employed. Effects of reference groups and religiosity on the likelihood of alcohol consumption are tested. Reference groups are divided into parents, close relatives and acquaintances and close friends. Results show that among the reference groups, only close friends have a significant effect and the relationship is positive. Religiosity is divided into beliefs, spirituality and practice. Among the three aspects of religiosity, only practice has a significant effect and the relationship is negative. Furthermore, alcohol use by friends loses significance when religiosity enters the model. Gender is significant in all of three models and being female is negatively associated with alcohol consumption among Iranians. Limitations of the study and its implications for future research are discussed. Further research might include assessing the relationship between religiosity and frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. Additionally, the relationship between religiosity and heavy drinking and problem drinking in Iran is worth investigation.

Authors

• Bashir Tofangsazi, The Ohio State University

• James Williams, Texas Woman's University