CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

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 and were rarely traded in the market (Odejide, 2006, WHO, 2017). Though alcoholic beverages have been consumed for hundreds of years, the consumption of it by adolescents was seen as child delinquency and was not widely tolerated in many societies (Willis, 2006).

The menace of alcohol consumption among adolescents seems to be on the increase. Studies have shown that smoking, binge drinking and illicit drug use remain common among college students (Schorling et al cited in Awosusi and Adegboyega, 2015). Alcohol, a thin, volatile, colourless liquid with pungent taste is the constituents of wine, beer, spirits and some other drinks such as local gin. In Nigeria, many people consume alcohol under the pretence of taking medicinal drinks known as “opa” “ehin”, “paraga” or “fidigbodi”. These drinks are popular in many neighbourhoods and sold by vendors in motor parks where commercial drivers have access to it (Oluwadiya & Akinola, 2012).

Alcohol acts by inhibiting neural and cerebral functioning and offers its peculiar form of pleasure, but at the cost of impaired thinking, memory and decision-making (Ojiji et al., 2008). Alcohol consumption has been identified to be closely linked with behaviour, culture and differences in risk perception. The uncontrolled consumption of alcohol can result into addiction (Ejikeme, 2000).

In most cases, the initiation into alcohol consumption overtime may increase into regular drinking and eventually the individual becomes a heavy drunkard. Also, various studies have proved that most of the alcoholic drinks consume among youths start at early life as the urge to consume starts through observation or imitation of those who drink. Evidence abound that male adolescents initiated alcohol at age 8 years or younger (Igwe and Ojinnaka, 2010).

The danger in alcohol consumption could be linked with the tendency of the younger generation wanting to try hard drugs because studies have revealed that alcohol consumption is the gateway to other hard drugs with alcohol being the first drug ever tried by students (Kassaye, et al., cited in Awosusi and Adegboyega, 2015).

Observation has shown that alcohol use has affinity for hard or psychoactive drug use. In Nigeria, many alcoholics are smokers. Studies have shown that dependence on alcohol and tobacco use is correlated as people who are dependent on alcohol are three times more likely than those in general population to be smokers (Grant et al, 2004).

Therefore, this research study seeks to examine the awareness of the consequences of alcohol consumption among male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

It is generally observed that the majority of the adolescents arrogate specific deadlines to their youthfulness and may want to maximize both the main and peripheral opportunities while it lasts with the perception that the society still regards them as adolescents who could be easily excused for certain misdemeanors. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption and drug-dependent life- style has become an index of youthfulness driven by peer group pressure and parental lifestyles.

The problem of alcohol consumption and drug abuse is so grave that though it was originally conceived as the problem of a ‘select few’, it has extended beyond the usual characteristics of abusers being adult and urban based people to now include youngsters and community dwellers. These abusers erroneously influenced by their peer group are often made to believe that alcohol consumption such as “beer”, “gin”, “opa” “ehin”, “paraga” or “fidigbodi” among others will enhance their performance, put them in good mood, but the accompany problems of this act constitute a major threat to the well-being of the society. Alcohol consumption and drug abuse cause a lot of risk among the youth; it may result to gang formation, armed robbery, mental illness, cultism among others.

Alcohol and drug use contribute to the development of chronic health problems. Studies have revealed that alcohol consumption and drug use can take a heavy toll on the human body because, many who are given to alcohol do smoke which put them at high risk of tobacco-related complications and diverse forms of cancers, lung disease and heart diseases. Alcohol consumption has been linked with liver problems such as fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, alcohol hepatitis, jaundice, abdominal pain, anaemia, malnutrition, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, ulcers, and chronic pancreatitis.

It is against this backdrop that this research study seeks to examine the awareness of the consequences of alcohol consumption among male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to explore the awareness of the consequences of alcohol consumption among male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State. Other specific objectives of this study are to:

1.      To examine the factors that influence alcohol consumption among male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State.

2.      To identify the common types of alcohol consumed by male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State.

3.      To identify the awareness of the health implications of alcohol consumption among adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State.

1.4       Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1.      What are the factors that influence alcohol consumption among male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State?

2.      What are the common types of alcohol consumed by male adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State?

3.      Is there a proper awareness of the health implications of alcohol consumption among adolescents in Ojuwole Mushin area of Lagos State?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

The researcher intends to test the following hypotheses: