USE OF SMALL SACHET LIQUOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN IBADAN SOUTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

The use of alcohol is one of the most irksome risk-taking behaviour among adolescents with its harmful health and social consequences. The availability and affordability of small sachets of liquor has significantly increased access to alcohol within the purchasing power of these adolescents in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the use of Liquors in Small Sachets (LSS) among adolescents in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Oyo state. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a three-stage random sampling technique to select 390 adolescents in four communities in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area. A validated 61-item questionnaire and In-depth Interview (IDI) guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Knowledge on effects of alcohol was measured on a 10-point scale with scores categorized into poor (0-4), fair (5-7) and good (8-10). Perception was assessed on 27-point scale with scores categorized as negative (9-17) and positive (18-27) perceptions. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05; while the qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach of content analysis. The respondents’ age was 14.67±2.60 years and 72% were students, 11% were apprentices, while 17.2% were working; majority (72.3%) was Muslims while 26.7% were Christians. Less than half (42.8%) of the respondents live with both parents while 10.0% live independently of any guardian. More than half (53.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge while the students scored higher than the apprentices and workers (p<0.05). Many (54.4%) of the respondents had negative perception to LSS; sex, age, school/work status, highest educational qualification and people respondents live with showed a significant relationship with perception, while perception and knowledge had inverse relationship. Half of the respondents had ever taken alcohol, with higher prevalence among males (59.3%) than females (34.9%). Many (31.0%) of the respondents take Pelebe everyday; and there were significant relationships between sex, age, school/work status, knowledge and frequency of use of LSS; and the mean age of onset of alcohol was 12.16±3.03 years. Many (64.0%) of the respondents were introduced to LSS

by their friends and parents, while 28.3% and 27.0% of respondents take Pelebe for perceived health benefits and recreation respectively. Many (42.4%) of LSS users claim it is sold around their school/work premises. This study found an association between LSS use and risky sexual behaviours, about 69% of sexually-active LSS users had unprotected sex. Perception was a significant predictor of LSS use. The participants of the IDI believe that individual differences influence adolescents’ responses to alcohol and asserted the effect of alcohol in predisposing adolescents to risky sexual practices. Sex, age, school/work status, knowledge and perception of liquors in small sachets were variables related to the use of liquors in small sachets among adolescents. Many of the adolescents associated use of liquors in small sachets with heightened sexual performance. Health education strategies such as public enlightenment, peer education and life skills training should be targeted at in-school adolescents as well as out-of-school adolescents and parents.