Studies on Alcohol Consumption Among Singaporeans Aged 30 and Below

26 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) whether any local studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Singaporeans aged 30 and below and its corresponding impact on these young adults' health; and (b) if no, whether the Ministry can consider commissioning a local study to examine the long-term health impact of excessive alcohol consumption during early adult years.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Data related to alcohol consumption can be found in the Ministry of Health (MOH)'s National Population Health Survey report and the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Details of both studies are publicly available.

There is extensive, well-documented evidence in international studies showing that regardless of age, excessive alcohol consumption may result in alcohol dependence and increase the risk of alcohol-related harm, such as the development of chronic disease, violence and high-risk behaviours. Alcohol consumption from a young age can affect brain development in adolescence and have long-term adverse effects on cognitive functions.