Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption among Adult Residents of Osu District, Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol is a powerful psychoactive substance and nervous system depressant. Alcohol consumption is of public health concern globally. Osu is renowned for its numerous drinking centres which continues to grow in number. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing alcohol among adult residents of Osu (18 years and above) and provide current relevant knowledge on alcohol consumption in Ghana. Method: Data on factors which influences alcohol consumption among adult Osu residents was collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 1052 houses, 405 were randomly selected from which respondents were interviewed. The data collected were processed and analysed using Stata and Microsoft Excel computer software. The association between these factors and alcohol consumption was determined by using Pearson’s chi square test of 5% confidence level and logistic regression. Results: The proportion of respondents who currently consume alcohol was 39% out of this, 72.8% were males. Sex, employment status and income were the socio-demographic factors that were significantly associated with alcohol consumption among the respondents. Conclusion: A greater proportion of males consume alcohol than females, corresponding with worldwide trend. Drinkers are more likely to be employed than unemployed. Beer was the most preferred alcoholic beverage among the adult residents of Osu. Funds for education on alcohol consumption should be increased. Keywords: alcohol consumption, adult residents, Osu, Ghana