Abstract
Introduction: Alcoholic beverages have a proven impact on neuronal development and other areas of the body, primarily the heart, kidneys and liver, which is why their consumption in children is prohibited. However, there are traditional drinks that may have alcohol content. The aim of this study was to characterize the consumption of traditional alcoholic beverages in children of a rural village in Northern Peru. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study. Mothers were recruited by census sampling and reported the consumption by their children of two traditional drinks with alcoholic content: Chicha de Jora (Ch) and Clarito (Cl), which are derived from the fermentation of maize. The frequency of consumption, accessibility and perception of consumption risk were described. Results: Data were collected about 300 children, 61% (183) of whom consumed Ch. and 31% (92) of whom consumed Ch and Cl. Regarding drink accessibility, the majority of mothers said that these drinks were cheap (Ch: 69.0% and Cl: 60.7%). Additionally, the vast majority of families sometimes consumed or always consumed such beverages (Ch: 81.3% and CI: 65.7%). One in three mothers perceived Ch and Cl as being nutritious and helping their children grow. 25% of mothers perceived that there was no risk to their children from the consumption of the beverages, whereas >60% said that there could be a risk due to the beverages' alcohol content. Conclusions: Our study found that traditional beverages containing alcohol are consumed frequently by children in a village in Northern Peru. Mothers provide accessibility to the beverages and perceive the risk the drinks have, yet they continue to provide such drinks to their children putting their health in great danger. We advise that future studies concerning the intervention of these attitudes are performed, for a better future and development of children.
Highlights
Alcoholic beverages have a proven impact on neuronal development and other areas of the body, primarily the heart, kidneys and liver, which is why their consumption in children is prohibited
In Peru, there is almost no information on this subject; reports show that the median age when alcohol consumption begins is 13 years, while in locations where children have greater access to alcoholic beverages, consumption starts at 10 years[8]
In Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, it was reported that occasional consumption of alcohol is associated with family context, influence of friends, antisocial behavior, and skills and experiences already acquired in childhood, which could be circumstances that encourage the consumption of alcohol in children[11,12,13,16,17]
Summary
Alcoholic beverages have a proven impact on neuronal development and other areas of the body, primarily the heart, kidneys and liver, which is why their consumption in children is prohibited. The aim of this study was to characterize the consumption of traditional alcoholic beverages in children of a rural village in Northern Peru. Mothers were recruited by census sampling and reported the consumption by their children of two traditional drinks with alcoholic content: Chicha de Jora (Ch) and Clarito (Cl), which are derived from the fermentation of maize. Alcohol use has 5.1% comorbidity (high blood pressure, cirrhosis, renal disease, etc.) in the age group between 20–39 years[6]. Some countries, such as Colombia and Argentina, have reported onset at an earlier age[7]. In Peru, there is almost no information on this subject (information that is provided is mostly provided by local institutions); reports show that the median age when alcohol consumption begins is 13 years, while in locations where children have greater access to alcoholic beverages, consumption starts at 10 years[8]
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