Social and cultural perceptions of alcohol use in Zambia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Alcohol is a global leading risk factor for death and disease among individuals 15-49, with highest rates of heavy alcohol consumption  among drinkers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given identified gaps in mental, neurological, and substance use services, communityand church- based services are needed to support individuals looking to reduce or quit harmful substance use. This qualitative study identified social  and cultural perceptions of alcohol among drinkers, community health workers, and Christian pastors in rural and peri-urban Zambia.  Themes included roles of alcohol, reasons for drinking, benefits and problems with drinking, Possible interventions, and impacts of  quitting. Aligning alcohol perceptions between drinkers and brief intervention practitioners like health workers and pastors is an  opportunity to fill the gap in substance use services.