Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Alcoholism Among Church Leaders in Saint Vincent/Grenadines

Abstract

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is an Eastern Caribbean country with a high rate of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) but inadequate community mental health resources to address them. This study examined SVG clergy’s potential role in community alcohol interventions. We recruited clergy through a chain referral method. We gathered data through 30 semi-structured interviews and qualitatively coded interview transcripts for themes relevant to the topic of alcoholism. We found that SVG church leaders have considerable knowledge regarding alcoholism on both personal and societal levels. The church leaders’ consistent concern about drinking problems in their communities and their commitment to community outreach suggest they are an energetic resource that should be utilized in future AUD interventions. However, their impact may be hampered by theological divisions, the perception that drinking problems only affect non-church members, non-church members’ possible reluctance to seek help from churches, and a misinformed approach to tackling drinking.