The Significance of Culture and Regulations on Alcohol Abuse Among Youths in Rombo District Council

Abstract

This study aimed at documenting the influence of culture and regulations on youths’ alcohol abuse in Rombo District. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key-informant interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed by Statistical Product for Social Solutions (SPSS) version 20 and thematic analysis respectively. The study revealed that culture influence alcohol abuse among youths, and most of youths learn to consume alcohol from their parents. Study further found that there are a lot of unregistered drinking places making it difficulties for enforcement of bylaws. The study findings depict that in most cases there was less bylaws enforcement with police mainly focus on fines. The study concludes that alcohol abuse among youths in Rombo District is attributed by cultural perceptions on alcohol as a status and prestige, less by law enforcement and easily availability of alcohol in the study area. The study recommends that family heads should discourage alcohol consumption; through being role models, the government should make sure that all alcohol selling points are registered, enforcement of by laws on alcohol consumption and community is provided with education on the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.