Prevalence of alcohol consumption in most at-risk groups in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Many studies have assessed the prevalence of alcohol consumption in Iran. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of alcohol consumption in different groups. Material and Methods: We searched international and databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and we searched two main Farsi-language index databases including Scientific Information Database (SID) and the Irandoc. Grey literature search was also performed in Google Scholar, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses without time limit until June 2020. All studies that reported the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Iranians were included in current study. Results: From 9,038 screened studies, 109 studies with 925,480 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of alcohol consumption was estimated 24% (95% CI: 18.0–31.0), 12% (95%CI: 10.0–14.0), 14% (95%CI: 13.0–15.0), 19% (95%CI: 13.0–26.0), 15% (95%CI: 3.0–28.0) among prisoners, general population, students, drivers, and street children, respectively. Conclusion: This systematic review indicated higher prevalence of alcohol consumption in prisoners, drivers, and street children than the general population and other subgroups. The distribution of the alcohol prevalence studies in different groups and provinces were heterogeneous. The lack of studies among some groups and in regions warrants further, attention.