Factors Affecting Alcohol Use Among Women in Ghana

Abstract

Whilst there are claims that women in Ghana are involved in alcohol consumption behaviours that pose threats to the maternal health and social development of the country, extensive empirical research in Ghana to confirm these claims are unknown. Using a quantitative data sample of 548 women from the EDULINK Urban Health and Poverty wave II project, the study specifically examined the prevalence and socio-economic and demographic factors affecting alcohol use among women in Ghana. The unit of analysis employed was women within their reproductive ages, 15-49 years. The method of analysis for the study was univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. The study found that the prevalence rate of alcohol use among women was 33%. In the binary logistic regression model religiosity, employment, migration status and age of a woman were the statistically significant factors affecting alcohol use at the 0.05 significance level. Factors such as education, level of income and occupation were not statistically significant at both the bivariate and multiple regression stage. A nationwide longitudinal study on maternal alcohol use, with regards to the types of alcoholic beverage consumed, pattern and frequency of consumption as well as the associated social and health implications is needed to fully ascertain the problem of maternal alcohol use in Ghana. Key words: Alcohol use, Women, Ghana