A new study by the University of Cape Town has revealed alarming levels of alcohol consumption among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa, with researchers urging urgent policy intervention.
The study surveyed more than 4,000 adolescent girls and young women across six districts identified as high-risk for HIV transmission. Findings showed that nearly one in three participants reported consuming alcohol, with hazardous and binge drinking patterns particularly prevalent among those aged 20 to 24 and living in urban centers such as Cape Town and Pretoria.
According to the research, close to half of the participants who drank alcohol were classified as hazardous drinkers based on the AUDIT-C screening tool, while approximately one quarter engaged in binge drinking. Alcohol use was strongly linked to contextual and social factors, including geographic district and school enrollment status.
A spokesperson involved in the research dissemination, highlighted that for many young women, alcohol is intertwined with socializing and entertainment. Others reported drinking as a coping mechanism for personal pressures and daily challenges.
“I’m just drinking for fun. No problems. It’s just relaxable,” shared one participant. Another noted, “I drink because I have gone through many problems,” while adding that alcohol is not a solution for younger children facing similar struggles.
Experts emphasized that drinking behavior among young women is influenced by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and economic factors. These include mental health conditions, issues related to self-esteem and peer pressure, as well as broader socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, lack of resources, and living in environments not conducive to well-being.
“These psychological factors can influence teenagers to then need alcohol to cope,” a public health expert involved in the study explained.
The findings carry added urgency given that young women remain one of the groups most vulnerable to HIV infection in South Africa. Researchers are now calling on the government to implement stronger policies around alcohol screening programs, expand access to mental health support, and intensify efforts to keep girls enrolled in school.
The study underscores the need for targeted, multi-sectoral interventions that address both the drivers of alcohol use and its broader health implications for young women across the country.
