Abstract:

Research shows that alcohol use among women is increasing. While alcohol misuse by anyone presents serious public health concerns, women who drink have a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men. Alcohol consumption in childbearing women is a public health concern because of adverse health implications for the mother and baby. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of abuse of alcohol among women of age group of 18-45 in Ukwimi area of Lusangazi District, Eastern province, Zambia. A cross sectional study was conducted at Ukwimi-A Rural health centre and surrounding community. A sample size of 165 respondents was selected using simple random sampling and data on alcohol abuse in women of child-bearing age was collected using structured questionnaires. From the 165 participants who took alcohol, 78% were youths and 22% adults. 56% were married, 40.4% were single 3% were divorced and 0.6% were widowed. 77% of respondents started to take alcohol due to peer influence and the least, 11% it was due to curiosity. 59% of the respondents had drinking places opened before 10:00 hours and 41% the drinking places opened at or after 10:00 hours. Majority of the women in the study expressed some knowledge on what alcohol abuse is and at the same time were aware of the adverse effects that come with the abuse of alcohol. Alcohol abuse among women of child-bearing age is still on the rise and the majority are the youths.

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