The latest Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) 2024 Urban Nutrition Assessment Report has revealed high levels of alcohol consumption in Harare and Matabeleland South, with rates at 29% and 28%, respectively. Mashonaland Central leads in cigarette smoking.
The report indicates that significantly more males (26%) than females (4%) over 18 years in urban areas reported ever consuming alcohol. Specifically, Harare (29%) and Matabeleland South (28%) topped the list, followed by Bulawayo (27%) and Midlands (26%), with males showing higher consumption rates.
Approximately 9% of adult males rarely drink alcohol, while for females, only 2% reported rare consumption and 1% consumed alcohol one to four days a week. The report warns that rising alcohol intake among females is linked to adverse birth outcomes like pre-term delivery and low birth weight.
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Regarding tobacco use, the report highlights its association with non-communicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. About 11% of adult males and 1% of females reported smoking or using tobacco products, with Mashonaland Central at 14%, followed by Harare at 13%, and Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Masvingo each at 11%.
Heavy alcohol consumption is noted to contribute to serious health issues like cancer, liver cirrhosis, and stroke. Hypertension was the most common chronic condition reported among adults, affecting 5.7% of those surveyed. The report emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, such as walking and jogging, in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.
A total of 13,479 households were surveyed, with an average respondent age of 39; 79.8% of respondents were female, and 73% fell within the 25-59 age ran
