RURAL WOMEN’S HEALTH, ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG ADULT CHILDREN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF THE ROLE OF MASS COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Background: Alcohol-related harm extends beyond drinkers and may produce substantial health, safety, social and economic consequences for relatives. Rural women may face additional barriers to support, while mass communication offers potential channels for health information and referral. Objective: To synthesise evidence on adult offspring alcohol misuse, rural women’s health, communication and sustainable development. Methods: A structured secondary evidence synthesis examined 28 selected publications and institutional sources relating to alcohol-related family harms, women’s health, communication and interventions. Descriptive analyses summarised source characteristics and published results. Results: In an Indian five-state study involving 5,375 respondents reporting a heavy drinker in their lives, approximately 83% experienced at least one alcohol-related harm. Studies of mass-media campaigns reported improvements in awareness and knowledge more consistently than reductions in alcohol consumption. Community-based and primary-care interventions illustrate possible pathways for information, counselling and referral. Conclusion: Locally adapted communication, confidential support and accessible treatment services offer a coordinated approach to alcohol-related family harms. Direct evidence concerning mothers of adult drinkers remains limited.