Socio-cultural pattern of alcohol uses among Yoruba ethnic group of South west Nigeria before and during covid 19 pandemic

Abstract

There are Cultural differences among societies on the psychological and social functions of substance use. This present study examines the pattern of alcohol use based on cultural belief among the Yoruba ethnic group in rural areas of Ogun and Lagos states, in Nigeria, particularly during and before covid-19 lockdown. The research was conducted among 650 purposively selected sample from local communities of Ifo, Sango, Ogijo, Agbowa. and Badagry. Respondents were administered with AUDIT-C to measure frequency of drinking and quantity consumed before and during covid-19 lockdowns. They also responded to Questionnaire on Cultural Belief on Alcohol (CBA). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and t-test statistics were used to test hypotheses stated. The result showed that there was a high prevalence of alcohol in the areas of study, and a significant relationship between cultural belief and use of alcohol. The result further found that there was a significant difference in the consumption of alcohol before and during covid-19 lockdown. The study discussed how traditional uses of alcohol lead to psychological dependence among local people and paves the way for use of other drugs. The study therefore advocates for a more inclusive campaign against alcohol.