Availability and Prevalence of Alcohol Drinking Among Adults in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the availability and prevalence of alcoholic drinks and heavy drinking in the city of Yenagoa. A total of 181 respondents were interviewed in ten outdoor drinking joints. The cross tabulation statistical tools was utilized using frequencies and tables. The objective was to find out why many people drink heavily, categories of people involved, the type of drinks most abused, the socio-economic and health implications on heavy drinkers. The study found out that prevalence of heavy drinking results from availability, lack of restrictions, indiscipline by drinkers, amongst others. Heavy drinking was most common at outdoor drinking joints such as car wash/hangouts, recreational centres, and clubs. The study recommended the restriction of alcohol production, licensing requirements for liquor dealers’ outlets and mounting intensive campaigns against heavy drinking.

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