Prevalence and Factors Associated with Alcohol Consumption Among Secondary School Students in Nekemte, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drivers of illicit alcohol consumption among at-risk populations aged 15-29 years old in Zambia: a qualitative perspective

Background

Illicit alcohol consumption is a major public health problem in Zambia and many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine drivers of illicit alcohol consumption among at-risk populations, such as youths, in selected urban areas in Zambia, using the social-ecological model as a lens to understand these drivers.

Methods

Through a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Zambia Revenue Authority, local council public health departments, and rehabilitation centers. We also interviewed 30 alcohol consumers who frequent alcohol retail settings such as bars or liquor stores. Participants were purposively selected based on their knowledge of illicit alcohol consumption.

Results

Social demographic factors such as age and sex were identified as key drivers. Adolescents as young as 10 years old initiated illicit consumption, with males constituting the majority of consumers. Limited job opportunities and recreational facilities in communities encouraged young people to consume illicit alcohol; this is worsened by the availability of alcohol in their social circles. Peer influence was also found to be a major driver of illicit alcohol consumption, as cultural norms normalized alcohol use. Lack of productive activities and economic disparities were also found to drive consumption among this group. Low-income individuals sought cheaper alternatives, such as home-distilled spirits or fermented alcohol, due to their affordability and availability in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Social norms, such as the consumption of homemade alcoholic beverages during social gatherings such as weddings, were also significant drivers.

Conclusion

Despite policies and state agencies banning illicit alcohol sale and production, the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people and weak enforcement of regulations across the country, especially in urban areas increases young people's risk of consuming illicit alcohol. Applying the social-ecological model emphasizes the need for multi-level interventions. These interventions should target individuals, communities, and policy levels. Specifically, they should aim to regulate alcohol consumption, disrupt the social environments that promote illicit alcohol consumption, and ultimately facilitate positive behavior change among young people.

Age- and sex-standardized prevalence of alcohol consumption and its determinants in the western region of Iran, Ilam: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In recent years, alcohol consumption in different parts of Iran has increased. However, this growth was dramatic in deprived regions. The percent study aimed to determine the age-sex standardized prevalence of alcohol consumption and related factors in the general population of Ilam city during 2021-2022.

METHOD

This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of Ilam city located in western Iran. A total of 1,431 individuals over the age of 15 were included in the study using multi-stage cluster sampling. Alcohol consumption was assessed using a Persian version of high-risk behavior questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha > 73%). Analysis was done by Stata version 11 and R Software. Logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis and calculating odds ratio (OR), and a significance level of 0.05 was considered.

RESULTS

In total 1,431 individuals completed the questionnaire. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the study participants was 43.40 ± 15.51 years. The age-sex standardized prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) of alcohol consumption was 4.05% (95% CI: 3.09 to 5.20). Based on multiple logistic model, having a bachelor's degree (OR: 7.13; 95% CI: 1.89 to 26.76), cigarette smoking (OR: 6.92; 95% CI: 2.94 to 16.29), hookah smoking (OR: 7.34; 95% CI: 3.09 to 17.47) and drug abuse (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.38 to 5.99) had a positive association with alcohol consumption. Furthermore, having a high economic status 0.62 (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.26 to 1.48) had a negative association with alcohol consumption. The most powerful determinants (according to standardized coefficient) for alcohol consumption were hookah smoking (standardized coefficient: 0.588) and high education level (0.743).

CONCLUSION

Considering the prevalence of alcohol consumption in the population over 15 years old, it is necessary to take preventive and intervention measures, with more attention from health policymakers and other sectors.

Exploring prevention and control mechanisms of youth substance use: a case of North Wollo and Waghimra, Northeast Ethiopia

Background

Substance use among youths is a significant global and local issue. Youth who engage in substance use often experience various psychosocial, health, economic, and other problems. While governmental and non-governmental organizations in North Wollo and Waghimra Zones offer social services, their effectiveness in preventing and controlling substance use remains largely unstudied. This research aims to explore youth substance use prevention techniques and control mechanisms, youth participation, and potential challenges encountered by social service organizations.

Methods

A qualitative case study design was employed in North Wollo and Waghimra Zones, Northeast Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. A total of 40 participants were involved, including 10 key informant interviews and 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) of youths (6 participants per group). The data collection instrument included a pre-tested semi-structured in-depth interview, an FGD guide, and an observation checklist. The collected data were analyzed thematically.

Findings

Prevention efforts primarily focused on awareness-raising campaigns and advocacy programs. Control mechanisms were predominantly reactive, including measures such as regulating the substance trade, punishing drug dealers, destroying and burning drug paraphernalia, and closing substance trade centers. The study found limited youth involvement in substance use prevention and control initiatives. Several key challenges were identified in the prevention and control of youth substance use: limited government involvement, reliance only on reactive measures, low youth engagement, insufficient intersectoral collaboration, lack of community commitment, gaps in social institutions, absence of planned interventions, the economic role of substances, government ignorance, and the absence of comprehensive legal frameworks for prevention and control.

Conclusion and recommendation

This study highlights a gap in prevention and control mechanisms, and engagement of youths, non-governmental as well as governmental bodies. This study recommends making evidence-based interventions and installing functional networks among sectors to deal with common issues. This issue also should not be left to a single organization and government agencies, families, religious, and educational institutions should play a leading role in tackling substance use burdens at the grassroots level.

Prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors since COVID-19 among school-going adolescents within the Southern African Development Community: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shaped the global landscape and impacted various aspects of individuals' lives, especially the behaviour of school-going adolescents regarding substance use. Among these substances, alcohol is the most predominant substance, particularly among school-going adolescents, who also are highly susceptible to harmful alcohol use, such as poor academic performance, psychiatric disorders and disrupted social lives. This review will synthesise the known prevalence estimates and associated factors of alcohol use among school-going adolescents in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will perform a systematic review in line with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. We will systematically search for selected global databases (ScienceDirect, EbscoHost, PsycINFO and PubMed) and regional electronic databases (African Index Medicus, Sabinet and African Journals OnLine). Peer-reviewed literature published between 11 March 2020 and 10 March 2024 will be considered for eligibility without language restriction. All 16 countries of the SADC region will be included in the review. The Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool checklist for quality appraisal will be used to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies. Depending on the level of heterogeneity, prevalence estimates will be pooled in a meta-analysis; narrative synthesis will be applied to describe the reported associated factors of alcohol use.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

We will not seek ethical approval from an institutional review board since the study will not involve gathering data directly from individual school-going adolescents, nor will it violate their privacy. When completed, the full report of this review will be submitted to a journal for peer-reviewed publication; the key findings will be presented at local and international conferences with a partial or full focus on (adolescent) alcohol (mis)use.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023452765.