The Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 has revealed alarming trends about alcohol consumption in the nation, highlighting particularly high levels in the Central and Eastern Divisions. The study indicates that the Central Division has the highest percentage of recent alcohol consumers, with 34.8% of respondents reporting consumption in the past 30 days.
The survey further reveals that nearly half of participants in the Central Division, specifically 46.6%, identified as abstainers, while 18.5% admitted to having consumed alcohol in the last year. The Eastern Division is not far behind, with 32.3% of individuals indicating recent alcohol use, the lowest rate of abstainers nationwide at 43.7%, and 24.0% having consumed alcohol over the past year.
In contrast, the Western Division showed a significant level of abstinence, with 56.6% of respondents claiming they do not drink alcohol, and 28.3% stating they had consumed alcohol in the past month. The Northern Division exhibited a more balanced approach to alcohol consumption, recording 29.8% of individuals drinking in the last month and 48.9% abstaining.
A notable gender disparity also surfaced in the survey results. Men exhibited a significantly higher tendency to consume alcohol, with 43.6% reporting consumption in the past 30 days compared to only 17.7% of women. Additionally, the report highlights that men have a lower rate of abstinence, with just 39.1% identifying as non-drinkers. Conversely, women showed a much higher inclination to abstain from alcohol, with 64.0% stating they do not drink at all, while only 18.3% reported alcohol consumption within the past year.
In summary, more than half of Fiji’s population, exactly 51.1%, are classified as abstainers. The current findings present significant challenges for public health planners, who may need to develop targeted strategies to address the patterns of alcohol consumption, particularly among men and in the Central and Eastern Divisions. These insights can foster a more conscious dialogue regarding responsible drinking and encourage health initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harms within these communities.
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