Pacific peoples and alcohol: a review of the literature

Abstract

Aim: To present a review of recent research exploring alcohol use by Pacific peoples in New Zealand. The review builds on a comprehensive narrative review of research and literature on Pacific peoples and alcohol use, Pearls Unlimited (2009).

Method: We conducted a scoping review of published and grey literature written and published between 2009 and 2019. Research was included if the study population, or a clearly identified subgroup of the study population, included one or more Pacific ethnicities and addressed alcohol use.

Results: There were 30 relevant articles covering a large range of aspects of alcohol consumption by Pacific youth and adults. Alcohol consumption by Pacific men has declined significantly to 60% from 70% in 2006/07. However, of those who consume alcohol, 46% meet the threshold for hazardous consumption. Alcohol consumption by Pacific youth has also declined.

Conclusion: While there has been some notable research and in-depth exploration of alcohol use and Pacific people, persistent inequity in hazardous alcohol consumption indicates that an evaluation of the current interventions to prevent and service unmet needs of Pacific peoples are overdue.