title: Informal alcohol in Malawi: stakeholder perceptions and policy recommendations.
abstract: Through the eyes of those involved in the alcohol policy-making process in Malawi, we explored the role of informal (non-commercial) alcohol in rural communities, its harmful effects, and implications for appropriate national policy. Harms included early drinking initiation, violence, and sexual risk exposure. Informants suggested that policy should address informal alcohol's content, selling times, and easy access. Because most informal alcohol producers are women who rely upon sales for subsistence, policies must avoid limiting women's economic opportunities while protecting community health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Rupali J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Limaye
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Lainie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rutkow
authors.affiliation: Department of Prevention & Community Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
authors.forename: Rajiv N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Rimal
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Jernigan
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D040541:Marketing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011050:Policy Making; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data