ÁLCOOL NO EQUADOR: IMPACTOS SOCIAIS E DE SAÚDE PÚBLICA E POLÍTICAS EMERGENTES

Resumo

Alcohol consumption in Ecuador constitutes a major public health problem, with significant social, economic, and health implications. This study examines the social, cultural, and economic determi-nants of alcohol consumption, as well as the effectiveness of implemented public policies, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2018), the Fourth National Survey on Drug Use, and regional and international scientific literature. The results show that alcohol exposu-re during adolescence is strongly influenced by structural factors such as region of residence, urban or rural setting, ethnicity, and educational level, while the primary motivations for consumption include recreation, social integration, and curiosity. Prevalence of alcohol use is higher among ol-der adolescents, in urban areas, and among Mestizo, White, and Afro-Ecuadorian groups, reflecting the interaction between social and cultural determinants. Policy analysis using the WHO SAFER fra-mework indicates that, although Ecuador has a solid legal framework, the practical effectiveness of its measures is limited. Restrictions on availability, blood alcohol concentration controls, early de-tection programs, and taxation face challenges related to uneven implementation, insufficient co-verage, and informal markets. Regulation of alcohol advertising is moderate, with significant gaps in digital media. Integration of regional and international evidence indicates that these patterns and challenges are consistent across Latin America, reinforcing the need for multisectoral, human-rights-based interventions. This study underscores the urgency of strengthening policy implementation, adapting strategies to modern sociocultural and technological contexts, and promoting preventive and community-based interventions to reduce harmful alcohol consumption, particularly among adolescents and vulnerable populations.