A systematic review of the influence of community level social factors on alcohol use.

PURPOSE: To explore evidence on the influence of community level social factors on alcohol use among adults and adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: Major bibliographic databases were searched for quantitative studies meeting inclusion criteria. After screening, narrative synthesis and a quality review were applied. Forty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria. While the findings were inconclusive for associations between alcohol use and deprivation, poverty, income, unemployment, social disorder and crime, there was some indication that social capital characteristics were protective. CONCLUSIONS: Social capital has a potentially important association with reducing alcohol use. Further studies are required to better understand social influences on alcohol use.