| dc.description.abstract | The use of alcohol is one of the most irksome risk-taking behaviour among adolescents
with its harmful health and social consequences. The availability and affordability of
small sachets of liquor has significantly increased access to alcohol within the purchasing
power of these adolescents in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the use of Liquors
in Small Sachets (LSS) among adolescents in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area,
Oyo state.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a three-stage random sampling
technique to select 390 adolescents in four communities in Ibadan South-East Local
Government Area. A validated 61-item questionnaire and In-depth Interview (IDI) guide
were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Knowledge on effects
of alcohol was measured on a 10-point scale with scores categorized into poor (0-4), fair
(5-7) and good (8-10). Perception was assessed on 27-point scale with scores categorized
as negative (9-17) and positive (18-27) perceptions. The quantitative data were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05; while the qualitative data was
analysed using thematic approach of content analysis.
The respondents’ age was 14.67±2.60 years and 72% were students, 11% were
apprentices, while 17.2% were working; majority (72.3%) was Muslims while 26.7%
were Christians. Less than half (42.8%) of the respondents live with both parents while
10.0% live independently of any guardian. More than half (53.6%) of the respondents had
good knowledge while the students scored higher than the apprentices and workers
(p<0.05). Many (54.4%) of the respondents had negative perception to LSS; sex, age,
school/work status, highest educational qualification and people respondents live with
showed a significant relationship with perception, while perception and knowledge had
inverse relationship. Half of the respondents had ever taken alcohol, with higher
prevalence among males (59.3%) than females (34.9%). Many (31.0%) of the respondents
take Pelebe everyday; and there were significant relationships between sex, age,
school/work status, knowledge and frequency of use of LSS; and the mean age of onset of
alcohol was 12.16±3.03 years. Many (64.0%) of the respondents were introduced to LSS
by their friends and parents, while 28.3% and 27.0% of respondents take Pelebe for
perceived health benefits and recreation respectively. Many (42.4%) of LSS users claim it
is sold around their school/work premises. This study found an association between LSS
use and risky sexual behaviours, about 69% of sexually-active LSS users had unprotected
sex. Perception was a significant predictor of LSS use. The participants of the IDI believe
that individual differences influence adolescents’ responses to alcohol and asserted the
effect of alcohol in predisposing adolescents to risky sexual practices.
Sex, age, school/work status, knowledge and perception of liquors in small sachets were
variables related to the use of liquors in small sachets among adolescents. Many of the
adolescents associated use of liquors in small sachets with heightened sexual performance.
Health education strategies such as public enlightenment, peer education and life skills
training should be targeted at in-school adolescents as well as out-of-school adolescents
and parents. | en_US |
