HARARE and Matabeleland South provinces have been rated as having high levels of alcohol consumption, ranking at 29% and 28%, respectively, while Mashonaland Central tops in cigarette smoking.
This is revealed in the latest Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) 2024 Urban Nutrition Assessment Report on Physical Activity, Tobacco and Alcohol Use.
The report states that more males (26%) than females (4%) above 18 years in urban domains reported to have ever consumed alcohol.
“Harare (29%) and Matabeleland South (28%), with Bulawayo on the third with 27% and Midlands on the fourth with 26% and all had more males reporting to have ever consumed alcohol,” the report read.
On the frequency consumption of alcohol by males, the report states that about 9% of adult males rarely consumed alcohol.
Indications were that alcohol consumption frequency may represent a sizeable risk factor for weight gain and obesity among adults and adolescents.
On the frequency consumption of alcohol by females, the report noted that about 2% of adult females aged above 18 years rarely consumed alcohol and 1% consumed alcohol one to four days in a week.
“There is an increasing risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly pre-term delivery and low birth weight, with increasing levels of alcohol intake among females,” the report reads.
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On the use of tobacco products and smoking, the report states that tobacco use and smoking as a lifestyle habit is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
“About 11% of adult males and 1% of females were reported to be smoking or using tobacco products,” reads the report.
The report shows that Mashonaland Central topped the chart with 14%, followed by Harare with 13% and Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Masvingo at 11% each.
“Alcohol consumption, especially heavy consumption, impacts on cancer, liver cirrhosis and stroke. The most common chronic condition among household members aged 18 years and above was hypertension (5,7%) confirmed by a medical practitioner,” the report reads.
“Regular physical activity such as walking and jogging is proven to help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several cancers.”
The report notes that a total of 13 479 households were interviewed and the average age of respondents was 39.
Indications were that the majority of respondents (79,8%) were female, 73% of the respondents were in the 25-59 years age group.
