Analytical assessment of the effects of alcohol consumption on human population

Abstract

Alcohol is psychoactive drug found in beer, wine and hard liquor, whose effects, both pleasant and unpleasant is well documented. Recognition of the consequences of alcohol and abuse on physical and mental health as well as socio-occupational life are necessary steps for initiating appropriate action to reduce the harm/dangers from alcohol consumption. This work was motivated by the observed and anticipated negative health burden with its concomitant socio-economic consequences which the nation is bound to face if systematic efforts are not made now to control the growing problem of alcohol consumption. Three methodologies have been combined in the execution of this research. The first methodology involved conducting the clinical test to determine the independent assessment of impact of alcohol using Digital Display Alcohol Tester (DDAT). Secondly, sample populations of people treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital from diseases emanating from alcohol were collected, statistically analyzed using Statistical Packages for Scientific Studies (SPSS), and relevant coefficients were deployed for the coding of the simulation model. Thirdly, simulation software was developed using the indices collected from the statistical software to assess the impact of alcohol in the next 50 years on consumers as will be discussed in the next publication. This is to assist decision makers to formulate public policy to stem the inherent catastrophe associated with alcohol consumption. The software is capable of providing approximate prediction of likely deaths that may occur via diseases such as: liver, brain damage, heart and hypertension. It is expected that the deployment of this Alcohol Simulator will guide public policy trust on Alcohol Consumption.

Keywords: Alcohol consumption, software, disease, simulation, model