Social and health implications of alcohol consumption among women of reproductive age in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Much of the research concerning women’s alcohol use and misuse has focused on biomedical issues associated with female drinking; In contrast, little attention has been paid to the social dimensions of maternal drinking. Using the Symbolic interactionist’s paradigm, this paper interrogates the social and health consequences of drinking among women of reproductive age. Data were collected using a concurrent mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative data) Three hundred and seventy-three (373) close-ended questionnaires were analysed, and in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 mothers randomly selected from different occupational backgrounds. Findings reveal that heavy alcohol intake can cause divorce in marriages, loss of social respect, stigmatisation for the children, and loss of social bonds within the family. The researcher concluded that health and social issues relating to alcohol use can only be understood within the social and cultural context. However, the paper recommends an all-encompassing approach which involves continuous sensitization of women (especially of reproductive age) on the dangers of maternal alcohol use and the need to implement policies to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.