The Burden of Alcohol-Related Caring for Others in Australia in the 2021 Pandemic Period.

OBJECTIVE

The magnitude of caring for others because of excessive alcohol use is unclear in Australia and internationally. This study explores the prevalence, sociodemographic predictors, and consequences of informal care for others because of alcohol use.

METHOD

A survey on harm from others' drinking was conducted among 2,574 Australian adults in November 2021 from national random digit dial and "Life in Australia" panel samples to elicit representative data. Respondents who indicated that they had "heavy drinker/s" in their lives ( = 1,585) were asked about their experience of caring for these drinkers and their dependents in the last 12 months. Weighted logistic and linear regressions examined (a) sociodemographic factors associated with informal care because of others' drinking and (b) the impact of the caregiving burden on the caregiver's financial status, overall health, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Overall, 20% of participants reported caregiving responsibilities arising from others' drinking. Older age, unemployment, residing in capital cities, and reporting birth in a non-English-speaking background country were associated with a reduced likelihood of caregiving. In contrast, higher education and more frequent risky drinking were associated with an increased likelihood. Caregivers reported significantly higher financial disadvantage, a lower quality of life, and poorer overall health.

CONCLUSIONS

One in five adults reported caring for drinkers in the previous 12 months, and this was associated with negative consequences for those providing care. Service providers, health promotion practitioners, and policymakers should focus on younger age groups, those who live in regional areas, and those born in Australia who are at greater risk of being burdened by caregiving because of others' alcohol use.