DECLARATION

We hereby declare that except for references to other people’s work which we have

acknowledged, this work is the result of our own research carried out in partial fulfilment of the

requirements of the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Council of Ghana for the award of a diploma in

nursing and that no part of it has been presented to any group or institution

Miss Adoma Kyeremaa Genevieva ………………………. ……………………..

Index number - 412215009 Signature Date

Miss Fabea Bernice ………………………. ……………………..

Index number - 412215047 Signature Date

Miss Oppong Ernestina Simons ………………………. ……………………..

Index number - 412215095 Signature Date

Mr Dugle Sylvester ……………………. ………………………

(Supervisor) Signature Date

Miss Monica Nkrumah ………………….. …………………………

(Principal) Signature Date

i
 ABSTRACT

Introduction: The youth alcohol use is a considerable health problem because it contributes to

the leading causes of the youth morbidity and mortality. The goal of the study was to ascertain

the rate of alcoholism among the youth.

Methods: The study employed quantitative approach to gather data. Questionnaires with open

and closed ended questions were presented to 50 respondents who were both male and females,

and belonged different religious background were selected randomly to prevent bias in the final

results. Respondents used were aged between 15 years to 45 years.

Data collected was then analyzed using frequency tables, pie chart, bar chart and line chart to

make results graphical and easily comprehensibility.

Findings: Background of respondents: 62% were aged between 26-35 years, 72% were males,

all respondents were affiliated to a religion as 86% were Christians, 72% were self-employed,

84% were literate and 56% were married.

Prevalence of alcoholism: 38% started taking alcohol at a young age of 12-18 years, the

commonest alcohol used was the local gin (akepteshie), this could be due to its low price as

compared to the other brands, 94% agreed alcohol is easily available in the community, 60%

agreed their religion did not support intake of alcohol yet they still take it.

Factors influencing alcohol use: 78% of respondents were influenced by advertisement, 64%

by peer pressure, 56% by the need to relieve stress. Factors such as easy availability and low cost

of alcohol(54%), social ceremonies (70%), sexually satisfy partners (54%) were not factors that

induce respondents to take alcohol.

ii
Effects of alcoholism: 88% said alcoholism had an effect on the individual, as 26 % said the

individual became a burden to the society. 98% agreed that alcoholism also had an effect on the

country in general and 42% said it led to broken homes.

48% of respondents recommended that advertisement on alcohol should be limited across the

country.

Conclusion: Alcohol use still remains a problem among the youth. The researchers also

recommended pragmatic measures that could help curb the menace of alcoholism among the

youth in the country.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGES
Declaration ………………………………………………………………………..i

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………… ii

Table of content……………………………………………….…………………… iv

List of tables and figures ……………………………………….………………….. vi

Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………..………..... vii

CHAPTER ONE

BACKROUND OF THE STUDY

1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………..…………….....1

1.1 Background of the study………………………………………………….……..1

1.2 Statement of the problem………………………………..………………………3

1.3 Objectives of the study…………………………………….…………… ……...4

1.4 Operational definition ……………...………………………………………...…4

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………6

2.2 Literature review……………………………………………………………....6

CHAPTER THREE
METHODS AND MATERIALS

3.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………….18
3.2 Study area and population……………………….………….…………….……18

3.2 Study design ….………...……………….………..……….……………………20

3.3 Data Collection tool ……………………………………………………….….20

3.5 Data Analysis techniques …………………………………………….……..…20

iv
3.6 Ethical Considerations………………………………………………20

3.7 Limitation Of The Study ……………………………………………21

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

4.1 Introduction ………………..….…………………………….…… ..22

4.2 Presentation of data ……………..……………...………………….22

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction ……………………………………………..…….……37

5.1 Discussion of findings………………………..……………………..37

5.2 Recommendation…………………………..…….……………….…42

5.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………..45

Reference ………………………………………………….……………46

Questionnaire ………………………………………………..………….49

v
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 A percentage table showing the age groups of respondents ……………………….….22

Table 2 A percentage table showing the gender of respondents ……………………….………23

Table 3 A percentage table showing the occupational status of respondents ………………….23

Table 4 A percentage table showing the educational status of respondents………………...….24

Table 5 A percentage table showing the religious background of respondents …………….…24

Table 6 A percentage table showing the marital status of respondents ……………………..…25

Table 7 A percentage table showing the causes of alcoholism ……………………………..…31

Figure 1 A bar chart showing the age at which respondents had their first alcohol drink……..26

Figure 2 A bar chart showing the common alcohol brand names known to respondents …..…27

Figure 3 A bar chart showing whether alcohol is readily available in the society……………..28

Figure 4 A bar chart showing whether respondents taught their religion supports the intake of
alcohol……………………………………………………………………………………….….29

Figure 5 A pie chart showing whether advertisement affects the use of alcohol use……….….30
Figure 6 A pie chart showing whether alcoholism have an effect on the individual …….…….32

Figure 7 A pie chart showing the effects of alcohol on the individual ………………………...33

Figure 8 A pie chart showing whether alcoholism have an effect on the country and the specific
effect according to respondents………………………………………………………………...34

Figure 9 A line chart showing the effects of alcoholism on the society and country as a whole..35
Figure 10 A pie chart showing the measures that will help limit alcoholism in the society……36

vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Write your own ackonowledgemt

……………………………………………..

……………………………….

vii
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Many researchers have shown that alcohol is among the most important public health problems

with their genesis in youth (Moss, Chen, & Yi, 2014). Worldwide and in Ghana, alcohol is the

only psychotropic substance most widely used by the youth (Pinsky, Sanches, Zaleski,

Laranjeira, & Caetano, 2010). The youth alcohol use is a considerable health problem because it

contributes to the leading causes of the youth morbidity and mortality (Chun & Linakis, 2012).

In 2011, the World Health Organization reported that nine percent of annual deaths of youth

between the ages of 15 to 25 years were attributed to alcohol related causes (WHO Global Status

Reports on Alcohol and Health, 2009). The negative consequences of the youth alcohol use are

well documented, and include decreased academic achievement, depression, other substance use,

unintentional injuries and serious road traffic accidents. Although the minimal drink age is 21

years in Ghana, some begin at childhood. This may continue to rocket into late youths (Oppong

Asante, Meyer-Weitz, & Petersen, 2014). A study conducted by Monitoring the Future (MTF) on

American the youths in high school came up with a number of reasons for alcohol use.

Respondents primarily emphasized the effect, which is referred to as a taste, euphoria, which

makes them to feel relaxed .High on the list was curiosity about the substance effect cited by

one-half of the population of the students interviewed. Contrary to this, fewer the youths truly

admitted to the use of the alcohol as a result of problematic situation. Approximately one-fourth

of the youths who have ever taken alcohol revealed that they got involved because alcohol helps

them escape from their problems (O‟Malley, Johnston, & Bachman, 1998).

1
Factors such as lifestyle, access to alcohol advertising, high level of stressful situations coupled

with anxiety, low self esteem of an individual, symptoms such as depressive, peer pressure

susceptibility, and other problems related with their education were considered as facilitators of

alcohol consumption among the youths (Díaz-Anzaldúa & Díaz-Martínez, 2011). Other factors

include, genetic predisposition, parental or familial influence. Even a small amount of alcohol

use produces consequences which may lead to risky behaviors including sex, high suicidal rate

due to violence, Juvenal crime and struggles with friends. Illicit drug use a increases the public

health problem (Doku, Koivusilta, & Rimpelä, 2012). Alcohol stands to be the only psychotropic

drug which is accepted and encouraged by the greater culture (Malta, 2012), allowing the people

to practice the use at the early age even ten years. This practice increases the dependence

overtime (Malta & Mendes, 2012; WHO, 2002). As reported the prevalence study in Brazil, the

experimentation of alcohol ranged 48% to 71% with a regular use of 27% (Pinsky, Sanchez,

Zaleski et al., 2010). Evidence of alcohol use among the youths group in sub-Sahara Africa

suggests that a huge proportion of teenagers have used or are presently taking in alcohol. Kuria

(1996) found alcohol use prevalence 15% among secondary school students in Kenya. Alcohol

prevention programs in Ghana are few and the restricting of advertising alcohol beverages is a

challenge. The epidemiological shape of alcohol use is a problem. To examine factors

association is also a difficult and a complex-burden. This when possible would have prevented or

control alcohol misuse especially to the young population.

The aim of the study is to determine the rate and prevalence of alcoholism and the factors that

influence alcohol use among the youth of Ntotroso.

2
1.2 Problem statement

Alcohol consumption is a major problem in Ghana and it is a major risk factor for many liver-

related diseases, as well as many other communicable and non-communicable diseases. Binge

alcohol consumption is also a risk factor for many preventable deaths from accidents, homicides

and suicides. It also facilitates risky sexual behaviours as highly intoxicated individuals often do

not have sound judgment to take precautionary measures to protect themselves.

Despite the widespread interventions to raise awareness of the harmful effect of alcohol use,

global data suggest an increase in alcohol use among young people (Global Status Report, 2007).

Ghana has a young population. Over half of the estimated 25million people are below the age of

25 years and one in five Ghanaian is an adolescent. Reports from educators in Ghana suggest

that alcohol and other drugs are increasable becoming a major problem in Ghana (Adu-Mireku,

2003; Coffie, 2010) with estimation that 40% of youth may be abusing alcohol or other drugs.

Worldwide, alcohol use causes an estimated 3% death (1.9 million) in a year. In 2006, WHO

reported that the top ten causes of admissions in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana in 2002,

substance abuse ranked second next to schizophrenia at 17.43% and ranked fourth among out-

patient cases at 16.3% (WHO, 2006). The Ghana Police Service has estimated that about 70% of

all crime is alcohol or drug related (Ministry of Interior Workshop Report – The Role of Security

Agencies in Ghana, 2006). In 200 7, there was an increased in admission at the Pantang Hospital

by 21.1% compared to the previous years. In Ghana, as a legal product, alcohol is readily

available to minors (Adu-Mireku, 2003; Dixon, Ham, & Lewis, 2009). Also, alcohol related

sexual assaults, personal inflicted injuries and death do suggest that the involvement of

adolescent in alcohol use is developing to be a public health problem in the country. Up to date,

data available is scanty. Despite the effort health professionals and other relevant agents, the

3
problem still remains in Ghana (Owusu, 2008). The study therefore seeks to find out the

prevalence and factors leading to alcohol consumption among the youth in Ntotroso.

1.3 Study Objectives

1.3.1 General Objectives

The general objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors that influence

alcohol use among the youth in Ntotroso.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

To assess the prevalence of alcohol use among the youth of Ntotroso.

To determine the perceived effects of alcohol use among the youth of Ntotroso.

To determine the factors that influence alcohol use among the youth of Ntotroso.

1.4 Operational Definition Of Terms

For the purpose of this research, the following terms are being used

Alcohol consumption: This refers to the act of taking in a beverage containing an amount of

alcohol.

Alcoholism: taking alcohol in excessive amounts over a period of more than 3 months.

Availability: This term is used to define access to alcoholic beverage. This may refer to a

person’s ability to buy an alcoholic beverage or the distance between the consumer and a source

of alcoholic beverage.

Binge drinking: This is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that raises the blood alcohol

concentration level to 0.08% or more. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to 5 or more

4
drinks on a single occasion for a man or 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for a woman,

generally within about 2 hours.

Heavy drinking: This is defined as consuming an average of more than 2 drinks a day for a man

and an average of more than 1 drink a day for a woman.

Level of alcohol intake: This describes how much alcohol an individual consumes over a period

of time

5
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Literature review

Studies on alcohol use among the youth will be reviewed under the following; the definition of

alcohol, prevalence of the alcohol substance use especially among the youth, the effects of the

substance use and the factors associated in alcohol use among the youth in Ntotroso.

2.2 Definition of Alcohol

Ethanol, also called alcohol is a colorless flammable liquid which can be found in wine, beer,

spirits and other drinks. It can also be used as fuel or and as industrial solvents. Alcohol is the

product of fermentation of yeast, sugars and starches. Alcohol is a drug (Bai, Anderson, & Moo-

Young, 2008) and it is classified as a depressant. This means that, it slows down vital functions

of the resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, inability to quickly react as well as the

ability to think rationally and distorts ones judgment. Alcohol exerts an effects on every organ of

the human body (Bai, Anderson, & Moo-Young, 2008; Guo & Jun, 2010). It depresses the

central nervous system. Alcohol can readily be absorbed by the small intestines. It can quickly

travel to the central Nervous system and depresses the system (Messing, 2014). The metabolism

of this substance takes place in the liver. This action of metabolism is accomplished by the liver

enzymes. The liver metabolizes a portion of alcohol at a time remaining left over circulates

throughout the human body. The real intensity of the alcohol on the body is proportional to the

intake. Therefore Individual reactions are varied to the alcohol, and this can be due to many

reasons and factors that are present. Some of the factors could be age, gender, the physical

condition (weight, fitness level etc) the amount of food the person

6
consumed before taking a drink. Other influencing factors include drugs or prescription of

medications and family history of on the alcohol problems (CDC, 2000).

Alcoholism basically represents the compulsive and uncontrolled use of alcohol. People who

suffer from alcoholism are obsessed with alcohol and cannot control how much they consume,

even if it is causing them serious problems in their lives. The concept of alcoholism has long

been studied and documented in developed countries than it has been done in developing states

(Adu-Mireku, 2003)

2.3 Common brand names of alcohol in Ghana

The following are examples of the numerous alcoholic beverages in the country.

Brukutu barima nsuo Odenden alcoholic beverage

Kakai Biters Opeimu bitters

Akpeteshie Piaww bitters

Big boss herbal gin Kalahari ginger bitters

Kpok3k3 bitters Atadwe bitters

K20 alcoholic drink Joy sokoo bitters

Biegya bitters Round 2 bitters

Adonko bitters Hammer bitters

African herb gin Ogidigidi gin bitters

These are a few of the common and widely used alcoholic bitters in the country.

2.4 Alcohol Use among the youth and its Prevalence

Adolescent alcohol use is a serious concern owing to potential short to long term outcomes for

the health and safety of the individual as well as the number of associated adverse social

7
consequences (Woods, 2011). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on

Substance Abuse, Alcohol Use and Abuse, (2011), the association between heavy adolescent

alcohol use and road traffic accidents, suicide, violence and high risk sexual behaviors is well

documented (Stolle, Sack, & Thomasius, 2009) Alcohol is the most widely used substance

among the youth (O‟Malley et al., 1998). In recent years, alcohol use among the youth

worldwide has increased significantly, with the age of at which drinking is started, decline

(Coffie, 2010). This, it appears due partly to availability and the ease of getting alcohol by

minors and partly to the marked improved marketing strategies by producers of alcoholic

beverages, in their quest to maximize profit. Also, in the bid to show how matured they are, the

youth are particularly attracted to alcohol, therefore leading to its consumption.

Statistics showed that in Europe, nearly if not all (9 in 10) of the 15-17 year old students have

used alcohol and at the some point in their life (Currie et al., 2004). Most of the youth have

begun consuming the substance as early as the age13 years. Data from the 2003 European School

Survey Project on alcohol and other drugs found the average amount of alcohol drunk by 15-17

year olds on their last drinking occasion was 60g, thus six drinks (Coffie, 2010). A study carried

out in Europe comprising 61000 youth from 30 countries, indicated that, the overall prevalence

rate of alcohol use was high. 60.6% 0f all youth had drunk alcohol in their life, and 27.7% within

the last month. Data from the notable National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Study

conducted in the United State of America has substantiated that the lifetime average alcohol

consumption of both the dependent and the alcohol abused personalities show a striking decrease

in numbers with increasing age at onset of use. For those with in the aged 12 years old or

younger than the latter at first use, the prevalence of the lifetime alcohol or its substance

dependence was calculated to be 40.6%, whereas those who were initiated at 18 years of age

8
were totaled 16.6% and at 21 years was 10.6%. Similarly, in subsequent studies, the prevalence

of a life time alcohol and its substance abuse was 8.3% for the age population initiated at 18

years and 4.8% for those that were initiated at 21 years.

The prevalence observed of being drunk once in at least the previous month was proportional to

the level of grade at the time 5.4% for 8th graders, 15.5% for 10th graders, and 27.4% for 12th

graders (Johnston, O‟Malley, Bachman, Schulenberg, 2009). Australia produced the following

statistics: 19.2% of the youth by then reported consuming one or more alcohol drinks reportedly

in the previous three months (Johnston, O‟Malley, Bachman, Schulenberg, 2009). Similar Study

conducted in the Brazil reported that the existing prevalence of alcohol experimentation ranged

from the previous figure of 48.3% to 71.4% in the youth, the study conducted also reported

27.3% regular use of alcohol, 22.1% of registered drunkenness at some time in their past time of

life and 8.9% were heavy use among the youth (Peltzer (2009)). Reports from surveys conducted

across the African continent showed that the use and the abuse of drugs among the youth begin

with alcohol (Peltzer (2009)). Another study conducted by Peltzer (2009), on substance use

among school going the youth students in six African countries (Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland,

Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) findings indicates that 6.6% of the students surveyed engage in

a risky alcohol use (two or more per day for at least a period of 20 days or more in a month).

According to Fatoye (2003), a study conducted among some youth in South Western Nigeria

revealed this finding that 13% of the youth reported as current alcohol users while 26% had ever

consumed alcohol. A study conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, sampling about thirty-nine

high schools reported a prevalence rate for previous month as 31% alcohol use (Peltzer (2009)).

In Ghana to this date, majority of the present available information on alcohol use among our the

youth in Ghana has come from a small number of some cross- sectional research studies which

9
are often conducted in single location most especially the urban areas (Adu-Mireku2005) and

inferring from this information’s on police arrest and seizures. In a survey in Ghana, it was

known that the prevalence of alcohol use among second cycle institutions was 15.3%, out of

which figure14.6% of the respondents said they drunk two or more drinks per day (Owusu,

2008). A study conducted by Nimako (2012) ,among the youth in the Kintampo Municipality

came up with a prevalence of 25.% with the majority being male (62.55%).

2.5 Factors Influencing Alcohol Use

Many factors account for alcohol consumption. There are many varying factors depending on the

people involved and the locations being considered (Peltzer,2009)). Factors which influence

alcohol consumption include, economic status, location, accessibility and availability of

alcoholic beverages, social influence, sex, etc (Gill, 2002).

The role of the media cannot be left out in the promotion and normalization of alcohol

consumption. Constant advertisement makes the consumption of alcohol normal. Alcohol

advertising plays an important role in having to encourage youth to drink (Peltzer (2009)). Media

(such as television, movies, billboards, and internet), are known to be very significant in promoting

alcohol use through attractive and mesmerizing manner. Advertising as used here refers to the

public and commercial act of presenting goods and services through both the electronic and print

media as well as bill boards for promotional purpose with the aim of increasing the patronage for

their goods and services. Modern day advertising has become very important pillar in the world.

This has come about because it has been early established that there is a direct relationship between

the adverts of a commodity and its patronage. The striking relationship between advertising and

growth of business can best be seen in the popular saying that: “if you do business without

advertising, you are working in the dark”. Since the aim of every industry (including the alcohol

10
industry) is to succeed, every industry has jumped to advertising as the engine of growth. At

present, alcohol advertising is once of the most lucrative areas in the advert industry and has

become a major cause of both underage and youthful drinking (The Christian Science Monitor,

June, 1992). Probably driven by their own guilt and from the public, the alcohol industry merely

adds messages like “drink responsibly” and “not available to persons under 18”. However, one is

yet to see any bar man who will refuse selling a drink to minor. And surprisingly, they have not

also defined how responsibly a person should drink. For example, how many glasses or bottles per

day? “Actually, they don’t really care if you drink hundred bottles a day, as long as they make

their money”. This was someone’s response in a study on alcohol abuse published in the US

Surgeon Genera’s report. The powerful nature of advertisement also made another respondent to

say: “I don’t listen to adverts; I will spend all my time wanting to buy things”. So there seem to be

general consensus among people that advertising in whatever form it takes has the power to hook

people to a particular commodity and this seems to be the case with alcohol.

According to Austin and Knaus (2000) there is an association between exposure to portrayal of

alcohol use on the media and positive drinking expectancies by the youth. Though there are

regulations on alcohol use, there is a wide acceptance for its use. Alcoholic beverages have been

portrayed to the public as being capable of curing all manner of diseases, hence luring even

disinterested people to join the bandwagon of excessive alcoholism. Alcohol by its nature is

addictive just as any other substance and once a person gets used to it, becomes very difficult to

stop. The use of alcohol to enhance certain activities as sexual intercourse fuels alcohol

dependence. People who get used to alcohol use with the aim of satisfying their partners sexually

tend to become alcohol dependent and often need it anytime they engage in sexual activity. Yoon

(2015), explains how young people learn how to drink, citing culture and peer influence as

11
predominant. The young Chinese often drank for the first time during family gatherings and their

motive was to feel sociable among their peers. Peer influence is seen as a strong determinant of

public drunkenness (Kelly et al., 2012).

Economic factors also play a role in alcohol consumption. Alcohol has been found to be

associated with wealth (Tampah-Naah&Amoah, 2015). Wealth as a determinant of alcohol

consumption shows that richer people are more likely to consume more alcohol than poor

people. This can be due to affordability and accessibility. People with more income are more

likely to consume more alcohol and engage in harmful hazardous drinking than people with low

income (Tampah-Naah&Amoah, 2015). Most of the time people find prestige in the brand and

quality of alcohol that they consume. This leads to them buying very expensive and high content

alcoholic beverages to distinguish themselves from low income earners.

Religion and education also affect alcohol consumption to a very great degree. Education and

alcohol consumption are inversely related. More educated people consume less alcohol than less

educated people. However, it is the opposite for religion. People who have a strong faith and

attachment to a particular religion consume less or no alcohol compared to people who are less

religious. In spite of this, a study by Gupta et al. (2003), conducted in India showed that alcohol

consumption among middle aged men was highest among Christians, 51% followed by

Buddhists, 46.6%. Muslims were the least consumers of alcohol with 5.7%. Alcohol

consumption is therefore lowest for practicing Muslims and devout Protestants as those who

believe strongly in the Bible and study it have high abstention for alcohol.

Age is another factor which affects alcohol consumption. For age, there is a varying prevalence

as young people consume so much alcohol. By age 20, the alcohol consumption rates seem to

reduce and rise again at age 24. Binge drinking is common to 15-24 year olds (Peltzer

12
&Ramlagan, 2009). It goes on and reduces again as people age. In Ghana, there are various

regulations concerning alcohol use but these are not fully implemented as young boys and girls

below the cut off age still engage in alcohol consumption and even record higher rates of

consumption than the entire population (Elisaus et al., 2015).

Another factor variable which affects alcohol consumption is social norms. In most traditional

societies, alcohol use is a normal way of life. The use of alcohol in ceremonies such as naming

ceremonies makes it an acceptable behaviour if one consumes alcohol. The problem however is

not the consumption of alcohol in these communities but the tendency of the youth to do it in

excess. This is what makes the practice a harmful one which is dangerous to the health of the

people. According to Wallace(2015), sibling substance use correlates to adolescent substance

use. Although this is true in most cases, not all siblings were found to be as influential. This was

found to be as a result of varying age gap, sex and birth order in certain families.

2.6 Effects of alcoholism on the youth

It is highly evident that from mid adolescence to the early adulthood life, there are major

increases in alcohol use which also has its related problem (Tampah-Naah&Amoah, 2015). Not

just that, the youth progressively uses alcohol in a precarious manner. For example in Europe,

about 9 out of 10 the youth population between the ages of 15 and 17 years used alcohol in some

point in their early short life (Tampah-Naah&Amoah, 2015). Children and the youth’ body

cannot cope with alcohol the same way as an adult can. In as much as they have smaller

physique, they lack the knowledge of drinking effects. They have no framework for assessing the

drinking habit and also, they have not built up the ability to withstand the alcohol. According to

some researchers, the youth with heavy alcohol consumption and dependence are usually

predispose to harm, which includes poor mental health, poor education outcome and increased

13
risk of crime in early adulthood (Peltzer, 2009). Alcohol use therefore has medical, psychiatric,

as well as social consequences. Alcohol use among the youth causes multiple organ problems

(Peltzer, 2009). Alcohol as a substance is readily absorb from the stomach by the body via the

small intestines, the second phase is then distributes to every body organ, tissue, and cells

through the circulation(Cederbaum, 2012). Most of the circulating alcohol with in the blood is

then been absorbed in the body by the liver (hepatocytes). This action is fast, and the alcohol gets

broken down as a waste called carbon dioxide, water and into energy. The chemical substances

which are excreted through the body kidneys do account for about 95 to 98 per cent of the

alcohol a human consumed. The other percentages escaped from the body unchanged through

sweat, breath, and urine (WHO, 2011). Medical consequences of alcohol can range anywhere

from acute organ damage to chronic damage. Acute complications may, a situation which occurs

soon after alcohol consumption; whiles chronic complications occur after prolong use. However,

some complications may be reversed or treated soon after halting alcohol use, but others may be

non reversible and permanent (Coffie, 2010). The liver as an important organ is known to be

primarily affected by alcohol (Osna, 2010). Heavy uncontrolled drinking can take a toll on the

liver which eventually can lead to a number of problems such as liver inflammations, alcohol

hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis (Coffie, 2010). Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is the most common

and most serious complication of long term alcohol use (Osna, 2010). Cirrhosis can lead to

additional complications like vomiting blood, spleen enlargement and even death (Peltzer, 2009).

Alcohol always interferes with the brain in the communication pathways (Witt, 2010), affecting

the way the brain functions. These adverse disruptions of the Central Nervous System can

change the mood and behavior, and makes it difficult to think or reason out things clearly and

move with coordination. During adolescent, alcohol leads to the structural changes observed in

14
the hippocampus (a part of the brain involving learning process) (Cederbaum,2012). If care is not

taken, a high levels can render a permanently impairment of the brain development (Spears,

2000). Drinking excessively or much on a single dose occasion at any time can damage the heart

muscles causing problems which may include cardiomyopathy; stretching and drooping of the

heart muscles, many other symptoms ranging from the chronic shortness of breath to the heart

failure (Cederbaum, 2012). Other complications include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats),

stroke, and high blood pressure. Although alcohol as a substance is absorbed mainly through the

body from the small intestine, the undeviating effect on to the inner lining of the human stomach

(Coffie, 2012) leads to a condition known as acute gastritis. This attacks in an acute phase which

often leads to vomiting. Repeated damage to the stomach lining can lead to hyperacidity known

as peptic ulcer (Peltzer, 2009). Excessive or prolong alcohol can also lead to stomach cancer

(Peltzer, 2009), Pancreatitis is an acute inflammation to the pancreas and usually triggered by

binge drinking, and symptoms being presented as piercing pain in the belly. Pancreatitis can

result inability to digest food (WHO,2011). Long term alcohol consumption leads to a decrease

production of the white blood cells, a condition which weakens the immune system leading to

the easier target for diseases (WHO,2011). Chronic drinkers are in many cases more liable to

contract such diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, than people who do not drink much

(National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2001).

Adding to the long list of effects of alcohol is poor diet (WHO, 2011). This is more observable in

poor communities where alcohol is of pitiable quality, the wellbeing of this people can be further

affected which will be leading to a vicious cycle of uncontrolled alcohol consumption and poor

health (Nimako, 2011). The wealthy human class can consume fairly a substantial huge amount

of alcohol and have no direct complications from alcohol. However, the heavy alcohol

15
consumption coupled with rich the diet can in most cases lead to obesity, an associated

complications called diabetes and hypertension (Scarborough et al., 2011)

When compared to adults, the youth use of alcohol is much more likely to be heavy

(Cedermaum, 2012), which makes alcohol use by that age group very treacherous. According to

Brausch and Gutierrez, (2010), alcohol use disorders are a threat factor to suicide attempts, also

found an association between lower minimum legal drinking age and suicide. The Psychiatric

medical conditions are most likely to be co-occurring with alcohol usage among the youth

population include mood disorders, predominantly depression; attention deficits or hyperactivity

disorder; anxiety disorders; conduct disorders; bulimia; and schizophrenia (Woods, 2011)

Alcohol use among the youths is the principal contributor to death (that is, motor vehicle crashes,

homicide, and suicide) in the United States (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,

2009). The Youth Risk Behavior research conducted in the United States revealed that in the 30

days preceding the research, there was a 29.1% of student population nationwide who had ridden

one or more times in a vehicle either driven by themselves or another person who had been

drinking alcohol. About the figure of 10.5% students reported that they had driven a car by

themselves or other vehicle driven by someone else at least once when they drink alcohol

(Clarks, 2004. Researchers have consistently reported alcohol use with other risky behaviors

like physical assault, sexual behavioral risk-taking and other substance use (Woods, 2011).

According to Bonomo (2001), alcohol use by the youth is associated with increased automobile

accidents and injuries sustained which leads to death, suicide, absenteeism’s, poor academic

performance, loss of consciousness, memory blackouts, involvement to fighting, property

damage, peer criticism and broken friendships, date rape and unprotected sexual intercourse that

places the youth at risk of STD’s, HIV infection and unplanned pregnancy.

16
Alcohol is implicated in relationship breakdown, domestic violence and poor parenting,

including child neglect and abuse (Nimako, 2011). Family members of people who are alcohol

dependent have high rate of psychiatric morbidity, and growing up with someone who misuse

alcohol increases the likelihood of teenagers taking up alcohol early and developing alcohol

problems themselves (Nimako, 2011). In a related study in Ghana, 15.1% of high school students

who reported to have taken alcohol, also reported getting drunk and getting into problems with

their friends, family or fighting with their friends (Owusu, 2008).

17
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODS AND MATERIALS

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains the background of the study area, study population, study design, data

collection tools, data collection techniques, data analysis/statistical technique, ethical

consideration and limitations of the study.

3.2 Study area and population

Ntotroso is located within the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo. Located on latitude

7”4” 0” N and longitude 2”19” 0” W on the map. Ntotroso is geographically boarded by Gyedu

to the east, and to the west, north and south by towns within the Asutifi South District of Brong

Ahafo. According to the 2010 population census conducted by the Ghana Statistical service, the

Asutifi North District is the 52,229 which represents 2.7% 0f the entire population of the Brong

Ahafo region. Males constitute 51.2 percent and females represent 49.8 percent. The population

of the district is youthful (49.8%) depicting a broad base population pyramid which tapers off

with a small number of elderly persons (6.7%). About 72.9 percent of the population aged 15

years and older are economically active while 27.1 percent are economically not active. Of the

economically active population, 93.5 percent are employed while 6.5 percent are unemployed.

For those who are economically not active, a larger percentage of them are students (47.6%),

31.1% perform household duties and 3.8 percent are disabled or too sick to work. Six out of ten

(67.3%) unemployed are seeking work for the first time. Of the population 15 years and older

66.6 percent are self-employed without employees, 17.5 as employees, 8.6 percent are

contributing family workers, 2.3 percent are casual workers and 0.5 percent are domestic

18
employees (house helps). Overall, men constitute the highest proportion in each employment

category except self-employed without employees and the contributing family workers. The

private informal sector is the largest employer in the district, employing 80.0 percent of the

population followed by the private informal sector with 13.1 percent. They enjoy water from the

Ghana water and sewage cooperation and also have poor roads. Their electricity source is from

the electricity company of Ghana. Main educational facility in the area is the College of Nursing.

The target population for the study were all youth between the ages of 15 to 45 who were both

males and females within the Ntotroso township. This population was chosen since majority of

the population of the town and district are youth and the issue of alcoholism is also a youth

problem, their opinion and input to the study, will give accurate information on the subject for

the research An aerial view of the research area.

Source: Google map,2018

19
3.3 Study Design

The study was a quantitative cross-sectional survey that administered questionnaire to a cross

section of the population. Random sampling technique was used. This was done in such a way

that all the youth i.e males and females, educated and uneducated were all included and it was

done to ensure there was no bias.

3.4 Data Collection Tool and techniques

The study employed quantitative approach to data collection. The measurement tool for the study

was a self-administered questionnaire, available in English language. The research team came to

a conclusion that the questionnaires were to be written in English for the sake of those who could

read and write and for those who could not read or write, the translation of the questionnaire into

other local dialect was done. The questions were open ended and close ended. It included

questions related to socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, the prevalence of

alcoholism in the society, the effects and causes of alcoholism in the society as well. In all 50

respondents were used for the study. Respondents chosen were aged between 15years and 45

years.

3.5 Data Analysis techniques

Data collected was analyzed with excel and presented manually with the help of graphical

presentations like bar chart, frequency tables and pie charts.

3.6 Ethical considerations

For ethical resolution, an introductory letter was taken from the academic board of the College of

Nursing, Ntotroso and appropriate community entry done through the elders and chiefs of the

town. Every respondent who took part in the research was made aware of the purpose of the

20
study and detailed explanation of the topic was given before they answered the questions. As a

way of ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of respondents, they were not made to write their

names or any form of identity was required of them.

Respondents were informed of their right to withdraw from the research at any time. Each

respondent who participates in the research did so out of their own will.

3.7 Limitations of the study

The following limitation were encountered during the study and may have strained the study

Firstly, due to the short time frame and financial difficulties only a handful of respondents were

chosen for the study. That is in all 50 respondents were chosen. This makes generalization of

their views difficult and may not entirely represent the whole picture on alcoholism in the

Ntotroso town. Also some respondents were illiterate, and explanation of some of the

questionnaires to them were a bit difficult.

21
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter deals with the presentation of the data gathered from the questionnaire given to

respondents on graphical tools such as bar chart, pie chart, line chart and percentage table.

This helps to make the data gathered easy to understand and comprehend.

4.2 Presentation of data

Section 1 Background data

Age of respondents

Table 1 A percentage table showing the age groups of respondents

Age group of respondents Number of respondents Percentage (%)

15-25 12 24

26-35 31 62

36-45 7 14

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

The table above illustrates that 62%(31 respondents) were aged between 26-35 years, 24%(12

respondents) were in the 15-25 age bracket and only 14%( 7 respondents) were aged 36-45 years.

22
Gender of respondents

Table 2 A percentage table showing the gender of respondents

Gender of respondents Number of respondents Percentage (%)

Male 36 72

Female 14 28

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

72% (36 respondents) were males while 28%(14 respondents) were females.

Occupational Status of respondents

Table 3 A percentage table showing the occupational status of respondents

Occupational Status of Number of respondents Percentage (%)

respondents

Self employed 36 72

Government worker 2 4

Unemployed 9 18

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

36 respondents(72%) were self-employed, 2 respondents(4%) were government worker and 9

respondents (18%) were unemployed.

23
Educational status of respondents

Table 4 A percentage table showing the educational status of respondents

Educational status of Number of respondents Percentage (%)

respondents

Literate 42 84

Illiterate 8 16

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

The table above shows that 84%(42 respondents) were literate while 16% (8 respondents) were

illiterate.

Religious background of respondents

Table 5 A percentage table showing the religious background of respondents

Religious background of respondents Number of respondents Percentage (%)

Christian 43 86

Islam 7 14

Traditional 0 0

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

All respondents were affiliated to a religion. 86%(43 respondents) were Christians and 14%(7)

were Muslims.

24
Marital Status of respondents

Table 6 A percentage table showing the marital status of respondents

Marital status of respondents Number of respondents Percentage (%)

Single 19 38

Married 28 56

Divorced 2 4

Widowed 1 2

Separated 0 0

Total 50 100

Source: Field data

56%(28 respondents) were married, followed by 38%(19 respondents) who were single, 4%( 2

respondents) were divorced and 2%(1 respondent) was widowed. No respondent was separated.

25
Section 2 Prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol use among the youth

Age when respondents started taking alcohol

Figure 1 A bar chart showing the age at which respondents had their first alcohol drink

19

16
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

15

12-18 YEARS 19-25 YEARS 26-45 YEARS

AGE AT WHICH THEY FIRST TOOK FIRST ALCOHOL

Source: Field data

19 respondents had started taking alcohol between the ages of 12-18 years, 16 respondents

started at 19-25 years and 15 respondents started at 26-45 years old.

26
Common alcohol brand names known to respondents

Figure 2 A bar chart showing the common alcohol brand names known to respondents

13
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10
9

7
6
5

LOCAL ADONKO KAKAI KASAPREKO ALOMO OTHERS

GIN(AKPETESHIE)
COMMON ALCOHOL BRAND NAMES

Source: Field data

The commonest brand name among respondents was the local gin (akpeteshie), this was affirmed

by 13 respondents, followed by adonko bitters(9 respondents), kakai bitters (7 respondents),

alomo bitters (6 respondents) and kasapreko gin recorded 5 respondents. Other alcohol bitters

recorded 10 respondents.

27
Availability of alcohol in the society

Figure 3 A bar chart showing whether alcohol is readily available in the society.

47
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

YES NO
RESPONSE

Source: Field data

According to 47 respondents, alcohol is readily available in the society while only 3 respondents

said it was not readily available.

28
Religion Support for alcohol intake

Figure 4 A bar chart showing whether respondents taught their religion supports the intake of

alcohol.

30
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

14

YES NO MAYBE
RESPONSE

Source: Field data

The bar chart above shows that 6 respondents said their religion supported the intake of alcohol,

while 30 respondents said their religion did not support alcohol intake and 14 respondents were

not sure.

29
Section 3 Factors influencing alcohol use

Advertisement and alcohol

Figure 5 A pie chart showing whether advertisement affects the use of alcohol use.

NO
22%

YES
78%

YES NO

Source: field data

The pie chart above shows that 78%(39 respondents) taught advertisement caused people to take

alcohol and 22%(11 respondents) said advertisement did not affect alcoholism.

30
Causes of alcohol abuse

Table 7 A percentage table showing the causes of alcoholism

Variable Yes No Maybe

Peer pressure 32 12 6

Need to relieve stress 30 4 16

Ease availability and low cost of alcohol 19 27 4

Advertisement 28 14 8

Social ceremonies 9 35 6

To sexually satisfy partners 18 27 5

The table above shows that the following findings.

32 respondents agreed that peer pressure causes alcoholism, 12 respondents said No and 6

respondents were not sure whether peer pressure causes alcoholism.

30 respondents agreed that the need to relieve stress caused people to take alcohol, 16

respondents were not sure and 4 respondents said it didn’t cause alcoholism.

Concerning advertisement, 28 respondents said it leads to alcoholism, 14 respondents said no it

didn’t cause alcoholism while 8 respondents said it didn’t cause alcoholism.

Easy availability and low cost of alcohol was not a cause of alcoholism. This was confirmed by

27 respondents who agreed that easy availability and low cost of alcohol was not a cause. 19

respondents said it could lead to alcoholism and 4 respondents were not sure.

31
Again, 35 respondents said social ceremonies such as funerals didn’t cause alcoholism, 9

respondents said it can cause alcoholism and 6 respondents were not sure whether it can lead to

alcoholism or not.

27 respondents said alcohol was not taken to sexually satisfy partners, 18 respondents said the

need to sexually satisfy partners caused alcoholism, while 5 respondents were not sure.

Section 3 Effects of alcoholism

Whether alcoholism have an effect on the individual

Figure 6 A pie chart showing whether alcoholism have an effect on the individual

MAYBE
NO 4%
8%

YES
88%

Source: Field data

88% (44 respondents) said alcoholism have an effect on the individual, 8%(4 respondents) said it

did not have an effect on the individual and 4%(2 respondents) said maybe.
32
Effects of alcohol on the individual

Figure 7 A pie chart showing the effects of alcohol on the individual

school dropout
burden to the 14%
society
26%

absenteeism from
work
20%

low productivity
disrespect from 4%
the society
24%
deterioration of
health
12%

Source: Field data

The chart above shows that 26% said alcoholism made the individual a burden to the society,

24% said it led to disrespect from the society, 20% affirmed that it led to absenteeism from work,

14% said it led to school dropout, 12% said it led to deterioration of health of the individual and

4% said alcoholism led to low productivity.

33
Whether alcoholism have an effect on the country and the specific effect according to

respondents.

Figure 8 A pie chart showing whether alcoholism have an effect on the country and the specific

effect according to respondents

2%

YES
NO

98%

Source: Field data

The chart above shows that 98%(49 respondents) agreed that alcoholism has an effect on the

country as a whole while 2%(1respondents) said it didn’t have an effect on the country.

34
Effects of alcohol on the country

Figure 9 A line chart showing the effects of alcoholism on the society and country as a whole.

21

11

6
5
4
3

VIOLENT CRIME ROAD TRAFFIC ECONOMIC TEENAGE BROKEN HOMES OTHERS

ACCIDENT BURDEN PREGNANCY

Source: Field data

The line chart above shows that 21 respondents agreed that alcoholism leads to broken homes, 11

respondents said it led to road traffic accident, 6 respondents said it leads to economic burden, 3

respondents said it led to violent crimes.

35
Measures to limit alcoholism

Figure 10 A pie chart showing the measures that will help limit alcoholism in the society.

Health care wokers others

must educate 4%
people on the
effects of
alcoholism
12%

Limitation of
alcohol
advertisement
48%
Governemnt must
legislate of alcohol
28%
Opinion/relgious
learders must
speak against
alcoholism
8%

Source: Field data

The pie chart above shows that 48% wanted advertisement on alcohol to be limited, 28% wanted

government to legislate on alcoholism, 12% wanted health care workers to educate people of the

effects of alcoholism of their health and 8% wanted opinion and religious leaders to speak

against alcoholism.

36
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter discusses the findings from the analysis in relation to the objective for the study and

the literature review. The study was carried out to evaluate the rate of alcoholism among the youth

(females and males) between the ages of 15-45years.

5.2 Discussion Of Findings

Background of respondents

Concerning the age of respondents, 31 respondents (62%) were aged between 26-35 years, 12

respondents (24%) were aged 15-25 years and the least number of 7 respondents (14%) were

aged between 36-45 years.

Regarding the sex/gender of respondents, 36(72%) were males and 14(28%) were females.

Out of the 50 respondents surveyed, 36(72%) were self-employed, followed by 9 respondents

(18%) who were unemployed and only 2 (4%) were government workers.

Moreover, the data gathered showed that 84% (42 respondents) were literate while 16% (8

respondents) were illiterate. On the religious background of respondents, all respondents were

affiliated to a religion. 86%(43 respondents) were Christians and 14%(7) were Muslims. None of

the respondents were affiliated to the traditional religion.

Also, on the marital status of respondents, 56%(28 respondents) were married, followed by

38%(19 respondents) who were single, 4%( 2 respondents) were divorced and 2%(1 respondent)

was widowed. No respondent was separated.

37
Prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol use among the youth

On the prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol use among the youth, 19 respondents had started

taking alcohol between the ages of 12-18 years, 16 respondents started at 19-25 years and 15

respondents started at 26-45 years old. This findings is confirmed by a study conducted by

Coffie(2010) which found that most of the youth have begun consuming the substance as early

as the age13 years. Also, data from the 2003 European School Survey Project on alcohol and

other drugs found the average age of commencement alcohol consumption was 15-17 years. This

supports the findings from our research.

Also according to the data gathered from the study, the commonest brand name among

respondents was the local gin (akpeteshie), this was affirmed by 13 respondents, followed by

adonko bitters(9 respondents), kakai bitters (7 respondents), alomo bitters (6 respondents) and

kasapreko gin recorded 5 respondents. Other alcohol bitters recorded 10 respondents.

According to the study, majority of respondents said alcohol was readily available in their

communities. 47 respondents, alcohol is readily available in the society while only 3

respondents said it was not readily available. According to Coffie(2010) in recent years, alcohol

use among the youth worldwide has increased significantly, with the age of at which drinking is

started, decline (Coffie, 2010). This, it appears due partly to availability and the ease of getting

alcohol by minors. This confirms findings from the study that showed that alcohol is readily

available in the communities.

Also, 30 respondents said their religion did not support alcohol intake while 14 respondents were

not sure and 6 respondents said their religion supported the intake of alcohol. This findings is

supported by Gupta et al (2003) assertion that people who have a strong faith and attachment to a

38
particular religion consume less or no alcohol compared to people who are less religious. This

means that all religions do not support alcoholism among its members.

Factors influencing alcohol use

Peltzer (2009), states that advertising plays an important role in having to encourage youth to

drink. This is in line with findings of our study that showed that advertisement influenced people

to drink alcohol. This is evidenced by data gathered from the research that showed that 78% (39

respondents) taught advertisement caused people to take alcohol and 22%(11 respondents) said

advertisement did not affect alcoholism.

Peer influence is seen as a strong determinant of public drunkenness (Kelly et al., 2012).

This statement supports the findings from our study that showed that 32(64%) respondents

agreed that peer pressure causes alcoholism, 12(24%) respondents said No and 6 (12%)

respondents were not sure whether peer pressure causes alcoholism.

30 respondents agreed that the need to relieve stress caused people to take alcohol, 16

respondents were not sure and 4 respondents said it didn’t cause alcoholism. This findings is

confirmed by O‟Malley, Johnston, & Bachman, (1998), which found that approximately one-

fourth of the youths who have ever taken alcohol revealed that they got involved because alcohol

helps them escape from their problems

Low cost of alcohol was not a cause of alcoholism. This was confirmed by 27 respondents who

agreed that easy availability and low cost of alcohol was not a cause. 19 respondents said it could

lead to alcoholism and 4 respondents were not sure. According to Tampah-Naah&Amoah,

(2015) ). Wealth is a determinant of alcohol consumption and it shows that richer people are

more likely to consume more alcohol than poor people. This can be due to affordability and

39
accessibility. People with more income are more likely to consume more alcohol and engage in

harmful hazardous drinking than people with low income. This agrees with the findings from our

study that showed that low cost of alcohol was not a determining factor and as such could not

influence people who wanted to drink.

Again, 35 respondents said social ceremonies such as funerals didn’t cause alcoholism, 9

respondents said it can cause alcoholism and 6 respondents were not sure whether it can lead to

alcoholism or not. According to Yoon(2015), young people learn how to drink, citing culture and

peer influence as predominant. For instance, Yoon(2015) states that the young Chinese often

drank for the first time during family gatherings and their motive was to feel sociable among

their peers. This is in contrast with findings from our study that found that social ceremonies are

not contributing factors to alcoholism.

27 respondents said alcohol was not taken to sexually satisfy partners, 18 respondents said the

need to sexually satisfy partners caused alcoholism, while 5 respondents were not sure. This

findings is in contrast with Yoon(2015) findings that showed that the use of alcohol to enhance

certain activities as sexual intercourse fuels alcohol dependence. People who get used to alcohol

use with the aim of satisfying their partners sexually tend to become alcohol dependent and often

need it anytime they engage in sexual activity.

Effects of alcoholism

The study sought to find whether alcohol had an effect on the individual or not. 88% (44

respondents) said alcoholism have an effect on the individual, 8% (4 respondents) said it did not

have an effect on the individual and 4%(2 respondents) said maybe. The study also showed that

40
26% said alcoholism made the individual a burden to the society, 24% said it led to disrespect

from the society, 20% affirmed that it led to absenteeism from work, 14% said it led to school

dropout, 12% said it led to deterioration of health of the individual and 4% said alcoholism led to

low productivity. According to Pelzer (2009), heavy alcohol consumption and dependence are

usually predispose to harm, which includes poor mental health, poor education outcome and

increased risk of crime in early adulthood. Alcohol use therefore has medical, psychiatric, as

well as social consequences. This agrees with findings from our study that showed that alcohol

has an effect on the individual.

Also, 98% (49 respondents) agreed that alcoholism has an effect on the country as a whole while

2%(1respondents) said it didn’t have an effect on the country. On the specific effects of

alcoholism on the country and community in general, 21 respondents agreed that alcoholism

leads to broken homes, 11 respondents said it led to road traffic accident, 6 respondents said it

leads to economic burden, 3 respondents said it led to violent crimes. This supports the report of

the Ministry of Interior Workshop Report – The Role of Security Agencies in Ghana, 2006, in

which ). The Ghana Police Service has estimated that about 70% of all crime is alcohol or drug

related.

On respondents on recommendations to help curb the menace of alcoholism across the length of

the country, 48% wanted advertisement on alcohol to be limited, 28% wanted government to

legislate on alcoholism, 12% wanted health care workers to educate people of the effects of

alcoholism of their health and 8% wanted opinion and religious leaders to speak against

alcoholism.

41
5.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings and results attained from the study, the following recommendations are

being put forward to government, opinion and religious leaders, media groups, policy makers

and policy regulators in the country.

a. The government and media groups must collaborate to make laws that prohibit or limit

alcohol advertisement on media stations across the country. For instance, the time for

advertisement may be shifted deep in the night when most young men are asleep, so as

not to induce them in drinking alcohol.

b. Government must make and enforce rules that prevents alcohol bar from selling alcohol

to young people who are legitimate to drink.

c. The government must also liaise with NGOs and opinion leaders to speak against

alcoholism, stressing the effects of alcohol on the individual, the family and the society as

whole.

d. Health care workers also have a role to play. Health care workers must be encouraged to

ensure they rehabilitate people who are already into alcoholism.

e. Lastly, it is recommended that, further research should be conducted into areas of

alcoholism that this research was not able to cover.

5.3 Conclusions

Many researchers have shown that alcohol is among the most important public health problems

with their genesis in youth (Moss, Chen, & Yi, 2014). The youth alcohol use is a considerable

health problem because it contributes to the leading causes of the youth morbidity and mortality

(Chun & Linakis, 2012).

42
This study was conducted in Ntotroso, a town in the Asutifi District of the Brong Ahafo, with an

objective of determining the prevalence and factors that influence alcohol use among the youth

in Ntotroso. The study employed quantitative approach to gather data. Questionnaires with open

and closed ended questions were presented to 50 respondents who were both male and females,

and belonged different religious background were selected randomly to prevent bias in the final

results. Respondents used were aged between 15 years to 45 years.

Data collected was then analyzed using frequency tables, pie chart, bar chart and line chart to

make results graphical and easily comprehensible.

Summary of the results from the study showed the following major findings,

Background of respondents: 62% were aged between 26-35 years, 72% were males, all

respondents were affiliated to a religion as 86% were Christians, 72% were self-employed, 84%

were literate and 56% were married.

Prevalence of alcoholism: 38% started taking alcohol at a young age of 12-18 years, the

commonest alcohol used was the local gin(akepteshie), this could be due to its low price as

compared to the other brands, 94% agreed alcohol is easily available in the community, 60%

agreed their religion did not support intake of alcohol yet they still take it.

Factors influencing alcohol use: 78% of respondents were influenced by advertisement, 64%

by peer pressure, 56% by the need to relieve stress. Factors such as easy availability and low cost

of alcohol(54%), social ceremonies (70%), sexually satisfy partners (54%) were not factors that

induce respondents to take alcohol.

Effects of alcoholism: 88% said alcoholism had an effect on the individual, as 26 % said the

individual became a burden to the society. 98% agreed that alcoholism also had an effect on the

country in general and 42% said it led to broken homes.

43
48% of respondents recommended that advertisement on alcohol should be limited across the

country.

Finally, the researchers also recommended pragmatic measures that could help curb the menace

of alcoholism among the youth in the country.

It is our believe that this research will form the basis of further research across the country and

may lead to decreased incidence of alcoholism amongst the youth in the country.

44
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Cederbaum, A. I. (2012). Alcohol Metabolism. Clinics in Liver Disease, 16(4), 667–685.

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Coffie, C. N. (2010). School of Public Health Department of Social and Behavioral Science

Prevalence of Substance Use Among Junior High This Dissertation Is Submitted To the

University of Ghana , in Partial Fulfilment of the Require-, (August)

World Health Organization WHO, (2011).Global Status report on alcohol and health

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 Questionnaires

COLLEGE OF NURSING, NTOTROSO

QUESTIONAIRE ON THE RATE OF ALCOHOLISM AMONG THE YOUTH OF

NTOTROSO.

Dear Respondent,

We are students of College of Nursing, Ntotroso conducting a research on the rate of alcoholism

amongst the youth in Ntotroso. The study is for academic purposes. You can withdraw from the

study anytime you deem necessary. We shall be grateful if you cooperate with us by giving your

honest options. Kindly tick (√) the right option and write the correct answer where necessary.

Confidentiality is assured and anonymity is ensured as you are not required to write your name.

Thank you.

SECTION 1 BACKGROUND DATA

1. Age Group of Respondent

15-25 ( ) 26-35 ( ) 36-45 ( )

2. Gender of respondents

Male ( ) Female ( )

3. Occupational status

Self-employed ( ) Government Worker ( ) Unemployed ( )

4. Educational status

Literate ( ) Illiterate ( )

5. Religious background

Christian ( ) Islam ( ) Traditional ( )

48
6. Marital Status

Single ( ) Married ( ) Divorced ( )

Widowed ( ) Separated ( )

Section 2 Prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol use among the youth

7. What is alcoholism (kindly define it in your own words).

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8. At what age did you first take alcohol?

………………………………………………………………….

9. Write the name (s) of common alcohol brand names that are available in your community

…………………………… ……………………….. ……………………..

…………………………… ………………………. ……………………..

10. Is alcohol readily available in the society

Yes ( ) No ( )

11. Does your religion support the intake of alcohol in the society?

Yes ( ) No ( ) Maybe ( ).

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Section 3 Factors influencing alcohol use

12. Do you think alcohol adverts can promote alcoholism?

Yes ( ) No ( )

Kindly tick Yes or No for the following questions

YES NO MAYBE

13 Peer pressure

14 Need to relieve stress

15 Ease availability and low cost of alcohol

16 Advertisement

17 Social ceremonies such as funerals

18 To sexually satisfy partners

Section 3 Effects of alcoholism

19. Does alcoholism have an effect on the individual?

Yes ( ) No ( ) Maybe ( )

20. What are the effects of substance abuse of the individual?

School dropout ( )

Absenteeism from work ( )

Low productivity ( )

50
 Deterioration of one’s health ( )

Others ( Specify)……………

21. Does alcoholism have an effect on the society and country as a whole?

Yes ( ) No ( ) Maybe ( )

22. What are the effects of alcoholism on the society and the country as a whole?

Violent crime ( )

Road traffic accident ( )

Economic burden ( )

Others Specify ( ).

23. What are some of the ways to ensure that alcoholism is curbed in the society?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

51