The Influence of Alcohol on Health Behavior of Youth in Egor Local Government
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of the present study was therefore to investigate the influence of alcohol on health behavior of youth in Egor local government in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to attain the following sub-objectives
- To ascertain the effect of alcohol on the health behavior of the youth
- To examine the impact of alcohol on mental imbalance amongst youth inEgor local government
- To ascertain if there is any relationship between alcoholism and the health behavior of the youth
- To examine the role of government in curbing the rate of alcoholism amongst the youth inEgor local government
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Alcohol is as old as human history and its consumption in different socio-cultural milieus extends beyond the last ten thousand years (Smart, 2007). Its consumption has been considered normal, especially when drunk without outright intoxication in Africa and other parts of the globe. Wine, beer, spirit and other fermented alcoholic beverages were drunk in traditional societies and some of these beverages are still used in this modern era for different purposes. In Africa, these and other alcoholic beverages such as palm wine, burukutu, etc. were consumed for pleasure soon after brewing or tapping (Odejide et al, 1999; Odejide, 2006) and were rarely traded in the market (WHO, 2002). Though alcoholic beverages have been consumed for hundreds of years, the pattern and purpose of consumption vary considerably among societies and even within communities. Excess consumption was not widely tolerated in many societies while few communities permitted it (Willis, 2006). For example, abuse attracted negative sanctions as recorded in the biblical Old and New Testaments (Seller, 1985; 1987). Drinking of alcohol was culturally tolerated as part of ceremonial lives of many ethnic groups in what is now known as Nigeria, especially in communities where it was not forbidden by religion prior to the advent of colonialism (Heap, 1998; Obot, 2000). A unique feature of this area that is now known as Nigeria was that different locally produced alcoholic beverages distinguished ethnic groups. In the north, pito and burukutu were commonly consumed. In the south, palm wine tapped from the palm tree (Obot, 2000) was popular while the native gin locally called ogogoro, kai-kai (Demehin, 1984; Korieh, 2003), akpuru-achia, or Sapele water, distilled from the fermented palm wine was widely consumed, especially in the Niger-delta area. Though there were no written rules prohibiting females and adolescents from drinking in this traditional era1 (Odejide, 2006), consumption was the reserve of men and played a crucial role in political, religious and socio-economic relationships (Oshodin, 1995). In this era, alcohol played complex roles in religious and communities’ rituals and served as a conduit for social cohesion. Because of these ceremonial functions, adult males were expected to drink being served by the youth. Alcohol was a key requirement for a bridal price to be paid in order to consummate marriages in many villages. It was consumed at almost all ceremonies including cultural festivals, chieftaincy enthronements, child dedications and even funerals (Oshodin, 1995). Alcohol did not just play the role of fostering social cohesion as people drank locally brewed beverages together in groups. According to Korieh (2003), it was also a tool for ‘imperial control’ and a revenue source for Western Traders. It was also used by ‘traditional rulers to exert power over their subjects’ (Bowdich, cited in Willis, 2006 p.5). With colonisation and the influx of western cultures, alcoholic beverages from western countries became readily available to old and young, male and female, on a commercial basis. In recent decades, the pattern, quantity and reason for consumption are changing rapidly, especially among youths (Chikere & Mayowa, 2011). This has resulted in an increased burden of alcohol-related problems, estimated to exceed those relating to tobacco consumption: alcohol misuse can result in death of the user (and non-users, due to drunk driving and other related accidents) and often disability in early years among young people (Jernigan, 2001). It is against this backdrop that this review critically explores the changing patterns of alcohol consumption in Nigeria and its consequences for contemporary Nigerian society. Adopting the public health approach, the aim is to bring to light the changing patterns of alcohol consumption, the factors that necessitate the changes and to advocate for prompt action to remedy the situation through policy and other regulatory measures. The next sections deal with an exploration of the new patterns of consumption and the factors that facilitated these changes. This is followed by the consequences of the new patterns and concluding remarks where the possible remedies are pointed out.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter deals with the method used in collecting data required in carrying out this research work it explains the procedures that were followed and the instrument used in collecting data.
SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION
Data were collected from two main sources namely
Primary source: These are materials of statistical investigation, which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment, the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary data: These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of alcohol on health behavior of youth inEgor local government.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the menace of alcoholism amongst youth in Nigeria.
Summary
The review has shown that there is an urgent need to formulate policies in line with 10 proposed targets of WHO 2008 resolution on ‘strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol’ (WHO, 2009) in Nigeria. Policy makers and brewers should reconsider their economic interests and arise to the global call for action against the rising alcohol-related problems, of which Nigeria is a major contributor. There is a need to define what constitutes a standard drink and mandate labels to convey this definition. Campaigns should focus on rural areas initiatives rather than focus on the cities. This is because the majority of Nigerians live in the villages and they are the ones involved in local brews of ogogoro. Prices of beverages should be raised and, the activities of the brewers that have been making alcohol available to all should be curtailed.
Conclusion
Haven completed the study, the researcher concludes that there should be a total ban of advertising that paints alcohol consumption as good for youths and promotions that promise to offer free drinks should be also be banned. There is also a need to ban night events organised by brewers and re-orientate youths’ perceptions of alcohol use. As research findings have revealed that the use of salient posters, pictorials and interchangeable messages on the cigarette are effective in encouraging behavioural change (Argo & Main, 2004; Hammond et al, 2004; Borland et al., 2009), these should be part of the policy. This is because many Nigerians are still below literacy level and may not be able to understand textual warnings. Until these remedial measures are taken, other harmful patterns and reasons for alcohol consumption in Nigeria may continue to emerge.
Recommendations
Haven completed the study, the researcher recommends that the bulk of the responsibility of curbing the menace of alcohol consumption among Nigerian youth lies heavily on the home front. Again stringent policies should be greatly censored especially as regarding advertisement.
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