FACTORS INFLUENCING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG MOTHERS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

The rate of alcohol use and misuse among women in Nigeria is alarming; this is notwithstanding the social and health implications of its abuse. Most studies usually focus on male related issues with regard to drinking. Using Symbolic interactionism paradigm, this paper interrogated factors that influence drinking among mothers of reproductive age and its effects. Data was collected using concurrent mixed method involving quantitative and qualitative tools of questionnaire and in-depth interview guide.. A total of 373 close ended copies of questionnaire were validly filled, processed with SPSS and analyzed with descriptive tools. Also, in depth interview was conducted among 12 mothers purposively selected from different occupational backgrounds. The interview data were thematically analyzed using manual content analysis techniques. It was found that factors such as partner involvement, social acceptance, sexual stimulation, desire to induce sleep constitute social factors that influence consumption of alcohol among mothers of reproductive age. It was also found that women drink alcohol when they are pregnant and after delivery because of the belief that it can wash away blood clot after delivery. It is believed in the area that drinking locally produced gin (kai-kai) can help reduce the size of the baby and aid delivery, while drinking palm wine can help produce breast milk. Other reasons why mothers drink alcohol include to get high, to ward off boredom or idleness, as well as ignorance about the outcome, emotional imbalance and for enjoyment. The research recommended the need to regulate production, marketing and consumption of alcohol across age and gender.