Alcohol drinking habits and community perspectives on alcohol abuse in the Bella Coola Valley

Introduction: This study surveyed the residents of the rural and remote communities in the Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia, on their alcohol drinking habits and on their opinions as to which of a list of health issues were the most important considerations for the well-being of the community. Methods: People aged 17 years and older living in the Bella Coola Valley were asked to complete a detailed Health and Quality of Life Survey during the period August 2001 to May 2002. This included two separate mailouts. Alcohol drinking habits; and ratings on whether or not people believed that alcohol abuse, drug abuse, family violence, unemployment, sexual abuse and racial discrimination were surveyed. Results: A total of 674 adults age 17 years and older (39% response rate) completed an 11-page questionnaire. Results from the survey indicate that unemployment, alcohol abuse and drug abuse are seen as the most important community health problems by the majority of residents. Eighty-eight percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that unemployment is a problem; for alcohol abuse it was 83%, for drug abuse 77%, for both family violence and sexual abuse 58%, and for racial discrimination it was 53%. Patterns of drinking habits vary considerably between Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal people. More Aboriginal respondents abstained from drinking alcoholic beverages (54%) than non-Aboriginal respondents (22%). Among the Aboriginal peoples who did drink alcohol, there were relatively more heavy drinkers (36%) compared with non-Aboriginal people (7%). There were more heavy drinkers among men than among women. Conclusion: Patterns of drinking habits vary between men and women and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The majority of residents agree that alcohol is a problem in these communities. Unemployment, drug abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and racial discrimination are also believed to be important issues for the Bella Coola Valley. This information should be used to set priorities for future health and wellness programs.