JAMAICANS between ages 12 and 65 are being urged to participate in a household survey later this year for the National Drug Prevalence Study, from which a comprehensive policy will be crafted to support the reduction of harmful alcohol use.

The plea was made by the Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton on Wednesday during the launch ceremony for the study at the ministry’s offices in New Kingston.

“I appeal to those who are called upon to participate in the survey, as it will provide keen insight into current realities among our people in relation to substance use, access to treatment and prevention services as well as perspectives on policies implemented to protect public health,” said Tufton.

The goal of the study, Tufton said, is expected to generate national prevalence data on psychoactive substance use, with a particular focus on harmful alcohol use, to inform and monitor national drug policies.

The $17.5-million study, which is being funded by the National Health Fund (NHF), is also expected to develop evidence-based drug demand reduction initiatives, which would be prevention, treatment and harm reduction programmes to mitigate the effects of substance use and misuse among Jamaica’s population.

The study is being launched in partnership with National Council on Drug Abuse, the Centre for Leadership and Governance at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organisation of American States.

According to Tufton, emphasis is being placed on alcohol misuse for several reasons, including the fact that alcohol consumption globally contributes annually to three million deaths and to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

He also pointed out that the last drug and prevalence survey which was conducted in 2016 found that 15 per cent of Jamaica’s population from ages 12 to 65 was at a medium to high risk of alcohol dependence.

“Additionally, the Five Year Analysis of Injuries in Jamaica, 2016-2020, showed that injured drivers were more commonly males versus injured passengers, which were more commonly females, with 14 per cent required hospital admission in 2020. When surveying adults 18 to 65 year old, it was noted that one in every six males and one in every 17 females admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs,” said Tufton.

Referring to the policy, Tufton said that the first expected outcome should be a 10 per cent reduction of the harmful use of alcohol which will result in an overall reduction of premature mortality due to non-communicable disease by a third.

“The overall impact would be healthier, productive and safer communities, families and individuals. In measurable terms, the policy would result in an estimated 597 lives being saved, 23,292 healthy life years restored to the Jamaican population, and a return on investment of $1.86 for every Jamaican dollar spent and avoidance of economic losses of over $2.65 billion,”said Tufton.

Chief executive officer at NHF Everton Anderson, who told the Jamaica Observer that it will take nine to 12 months to complete the study, expressed optimism in its benefits for national development.

“Any research that helps to drive policy is useful for the country. It is very important in the context of us using evidence in order to drive decision-making,” he said.