Alcohol consumption and its association with biochemical indicators and quality of life among rural adults in Northern Thailand

The prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is rising in Thailand, but there is still a lack of adequate diagnosis, reporting, and management. This study aimed to assess alcohol consumption and its association with demographic variables, biochemical markers, and quality of life (QoL) among adults living in rural Northern Thailand. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and 405 adults aged ≥ 20 years from ethnic groups in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand were included in the study. Participants were selected using a random sampling technique. Two standardized questionnaires translated into Thai were employed: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL–BREF–THAI). The biochemical indicators were Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), which were measured objectively through blood sample tests. The mean age of participants was 50.9 years. A total of 43 individuals (10.6%) had a high level of alcohol consumption risk, whereas 37.3% had a low level of risk. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ALT enzyme levels and AUDIT scores among female participants (rs = 0.802, p < 0.01). Among male participants, AUDIT scores were positively correlated with ALT levels (rs = 0.718, p < 0.01) and HbA1c levels (rs = 0.303, p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with QoL scores (rs = − 0.306, p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed statistically significant associations between alcohol consumption risk and ALT levels in both females and males. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with HbA1c levels in the adjusted model. Additionally, abnormal ALT (B = − 2.62) and abnormal HbA1c (B = − 4.29) were significantly associated with lower QoL scores in the adjusted model. Patterns of alcohol consumption were associated with biochemical indicators and QoL among residents, with sex-specific differences observed. Community empowerment and the development of practical approaches by public health agencies and local policy makers are essential for reducing alcohol-related health problems.