Socio-cultural norms and roles in the use and abuse of alcohol among members of a rural community in Southeast Nigeria

• Published in: Health education research 2017-10, Vol.32 (5), p.423-436
• Main Authors: Nwagu, E. N., Dibia, S. I. C., Odo, A. N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Alcohol Abuse; Alcohol Education; Drinking; Focus Groups; Foreign Countries; Health technology assessment; ORIGINAL ARTICLES; Qualitative Research; Scaffolding (Teaching Technique); Self Control; Social Behavior; Social Influences; Sociocultural Patterns; Youth
• ISSN: 0268-1153; 1465-3648
• DOI: 10.1093/her/cyx058

Social influences together with local cultural norms are central factors that can influence the use of alcohol. The study, therefore, identified socio-cultural norms and roles capable of influencing alcohol use among young people in an alcohol producing community, in Nigeria. We used qualitative technique – focused group discussions among selected key persons in the area of study. Three groups; adult males, adult females and youths were engaged in discussions around the themes of socio-cultural; norms, roles, beliefs, values and practices that influences alcohol abuse. The focus group discussions lasted for 60–90 min and each group comprised 8–10 participants. The discussions took place in February 2016. Nine socio-cultural themes emerged following a thematic analysis of the findings, one of which is: Involvement of those who should control drinking in palm wine business hinder control of abuse. Using Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory guide, the researchers were able to provide the scaffolding that supported the expression of the harmful effect of alcohol abuse and suggestions for improving control by participants.