PREVALENCE AND SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN SABON GARI AREA OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Alcohol consumption remains a major public health and social concern due to its association with behavioural, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Although previous studies have examined alcohol use in various parts of Nigeria, limited empirical attention has been devoted to understanding the interaction between alcohol availability, socio-environmental conditions, and self-reported psychological experiences within the Sabon Gari area of Kano. This study, therefore, investigated the prevalence and socio-environmental determinants of alcohol consumption in Sabon Gari, Kano State. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from 300 respondents and selected key informants. Multistage cluster sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test), while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Findings revealed a high prevalence of alcohol consumption among respondents (79%). Inferential analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between alcohol consumption and availability (χ² = 11.40, p = 0.001), price (χ² = 42.93, p < 0.001), proximity (χ² = 39.86, p < 0.001), and peer influence (χ² = 41.01, p < 0.001). Respondents also reported experiences such as depression, insomnia, memory loss, and reduced cognitive functioning following alcohol use; however, these outcomes were based on subjective self-reports rather than clinical diagnoses. The study concludes that socio-environmental dynamics and accessibility factors strongly shape alcohol consumption within the area. Therefore, community sensitisation programmes and targeted public health interventions are recommended.