Shalbuet Hesniak Cleopatra, Ushiwa Patrick Kwaghe

Keywords: Binge drinking, women, mental health, alcohol consumption, gender

Abstract

Binge drinking among women has been on the increase despite its
recognized public health and social challenges. In most communities in
Nigeria, alcohol consumption is traditionally associated with men.
Contemporary socio-cultural change has recorded a rise in women’s
involvement in dangerous alcohol consumption. Despite these emerging
patterns, very little empirical backing exists in addressing the socio-health
effects of binge drinking among women in the rural and semi-urban
communities in Nigeria. This study explores the socio-health effects of
binge drinking among women in Shendam Local Government Area of
Plateau State, Nigeria. A convergent mixed-methods design combining in-
depth interviews and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 384 structured questionnaires were administered to women, and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted involving women participating in binge drinking, healthcare workers, community and religious leaders and bar owners. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data;
qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results show that binge drinking among women is highly influenced by emotional distress, marital crises, financial hardship, peer influence, loneliness and the availability of alcohol. The study reveals that binge drinking leads to poor physical and mental health issues, family instability, domestic conflict, complications in
reproductive health, impaired parenting, social stigma and a decline in productivity. The participants suggested public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment, upgraded mental health services, stronger family support systems, and a strict limitation on the sales of alcohol as relevant solutions. The study concludes that binge drinking among women is a critical social and public health issue that requires a collective solution that involves the government, healthcare providers, the community, and families in general.

Author Biography

Shalbuet Hesniak Cleopatra, Ushiwa Patrick Kwaghe

Department of Sociology, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

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