The 2014 Overseas Departments Health Barometer was conducted among a sample of approximately 8,000 people aged 15 to 75. It provides, for the first time, comparable indicators between the Overseas Departments* and mainland France (consumption levels, types of beverages, instances of intoxication, consumption among young adults, etc.). These data constitute the first step in a regional assessment aimed at developing a strategy to reduce harmful alcohol consumption in the French overseas departments.

Alcohol consumption in the French overseas departments is lower than in mainland France

In the French overseas departments, as in mainland France, alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance. Four out of five people report having consumed alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months. Daily or weekly consumption is lower in the French overseas departments than in mainland France. Weekly drinkers account for 35% of the population in the French overseas departments, compared to 48% in mainland France, and there are half as many daily drinkers (5% vs. 10%). These differences can be explained by significantly lower wine consumption in the overseas territories. Weekly consumption there ranges from 15% to 20% of the population, whereas it accounts for 37% of residents in mainland France.

Men prefer beer, followed by wine and spirits, consumed at similar levels. Women prefer wine (as in mainland France), except in French Guiana, where beer is consumed more frequently. Daily consumption of spirits is significantly higher in the French West Indies (>2%) and Réunion (1.1%) than in mainland France (0.7%).

Young People and Alcohol

Among 17-year-olds, 5% of those in Réunion, 7% in Guadeloupe, 9% in Martinique, and 12% in mainland France engaged in regular alcohol use (defined as 10 or more drinks per month) in 2014. In all the French overseas departments, episodes of drunkenness are less frequent than in mainland France, and students and 17-year-olds drink less frequently than their counterparts in mainland France.

Men consume more alcohol than women

In the French overseas departments as in mainland France, men consume more alcohol than women, but the difference in alcohol consumption levels is greater in the overseas territories, particularly in Martinique. This difference could be explained by the central role of women in Caribbean family structures and by the existence of a socialization process that distinguishes masculine reputation from feminine respectability. The unfavorable economic conditions in the French overseas departments, combined with significant social inequalities, may also explain these disparities.

What is the purpose of the Health Barometer?

Implementing a coherent and effective public health policy requires a better understanding of health behaviors. For several years, Santé publique France has been conducting surveys called the “Health Barometer,” which aim to describe the health behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions of the French population. Their purpose is to guide prevention and public information policies.

This new chapter supplements the initial results published in 2015, as well as specific analyses on tobacco use and perceptions of access to information. New chapters on Alzheimer’s disease, perceived health, and mental health will be published in 2017.

Learn more

• Richard JB, Cogordan C, Merle S. DOM Health Barometer 2014. Alcohol Consumption. Saint-Maurice: Santé publique France, 2016: 16 p.

• 2014 Overseas Territories Health Barometer (methodology, questionnaire, initial results)

* Excluding Mayotte