CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Alcohol abuse poses a significant public health challenge across the globe, including Nigeria. Though light to moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial to cardiovascular health, heavy drinking can lead to organ damage and social complications (Rehm et al., 2010; Guo and Ren, 2010). While the degree of alcohol consumption varies greatly across the world, disease burden and fatalities remain significant in most regions, with Europe and America recording the highest alcohol attributable fractions at 6.5% and 5.6%, respectively (Rehm et al., 2010).
Recent research reveals that alcohol consumption contributes to three million deaths annually worldwide (accounting for 5.3% of all deaths) and also results in the disabilities and poor health of millions of individuals. In total, harmful alcohol use is responsible for 5.1% of the global disease burden, with males and females accounting for 7.1% and 2.2% of the burden, respectively. Among individuals aged 15 to 49, alcohol consumption is the primary risk factor for untimely death and disability, contributing to 10% of all fatalities in this age range. Disadvantaged and especially vulnerable populations are at higher risk of alcohol-related mortality and hospitalization (World Health Organization, 2022).
The increasing use and abuse of substances, especially among adolescents aged 11 to 19, has been identified by the WHO as a global epidemic with severe negative impacts on individuals and society (Owoaje and Bello, 2010; Oshodi et al., 2010; Duru et al., 2017). Substance abuse is a complex behavior that is most prevalent among young people worldwide (Umukoro et al., 2021). The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances is recognized as a significant risk-taking behavior among secondary school adolescents and young adults, as identified by various studies (Moke et al., 2019; Sadock and Sadock, 2003; Umukoro et al., 2020).
In line with WHO’s 2018 report, the WHO European Region has the highest prevalence rate of alcohol drinking (43.8%). Next to the Region of the Americas and the Western Pacific Region with 38.2% and 37.9% respectively, whereas the Eastern Mediterranean Region has the lowest rate (1.2%). Globally, the number of current drinkers aged 15-19 is more than 155 million, which accounts for over a quarter (26.5%) of the age group, with AFR having 22.5 million, AMR with 29.9 million, EMR with 0.7 million, EUR with 22.3 million, SEAR with 37.9 million, and WPR with 41.9 million.
According to studies by Gureje et al. (2007) and Adekeye et al. (2015), alcohol is the psychoactive substance that young people in Nigeria consume the most frequently. Nigerian secondary school students are known to frequently consume alcoholic drinks, according to Bada and Adebiyi (2014). The prevalence of current alcohol consumption among secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria was reported to be 30.6%, with 38.1% of current drinkers having been drunk in the past 30 days, and 17.2% being drunk very frequently (Alex-Hart et al., 2015).
In a study conducted in Lagos South-Western Nigeria, alcohol consumption was found to be the most widely consumed psychoactive substance among the study participants, with a prevalence of 29.10% (Okonkwo et al., 2010). Another study carried out in Lagos reported a prevalence of 57.90% for consumption of alcohol on six or more occasions per year, while the prevalence for consumption on three to five occasions was 9.20% (Ani, 2014).
While drunkenness, loss of memory, violence, and risky sexual behavior are related with the current state of young people's alcohol consumption, data on the long-term effects of such alcohol consumption are still being collected. Alcohol abuse among Nigerian teenagers has significant sociological implications and is a major threat to peaceful co-existence and the sociopolitical dignity, personality, and integrity of individuals in society, making it a problem that requires maximum attention (Adenugba, 2012). This makes giving maximum attention to alcohol abuse among teenagers imperative.
In order to develop effective prevention programs, it is crucial to understand the factors associated with alcohol consumption. Peer pressure is one of the most frequent and important causes of teen alcohol consumption. Many individuals feel pressured to engage in excessive drinking in order to fit in with a particular group or conform to societal norms.
In its essence, peer pressure involves one or multiple peers coercing an individual to conform to the decisions or behaviors preferred by the pressuring group or individual (Ngee and Fen, 2003). The influence of peers plays a significant role in the social environment in which young people develop, and children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to peer pressure given the substantial importance of peers during this period of development (Ivaniushina and Titkova, 2021).
Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between an individual's drinking behavior and that of their friends (Cheadle and Williams, 2013; Bot et al., 2005). However, there is a lack of data on the relationship between peer pressure and teenage alcohol abuse among secondary school students in Ikotun, which could have serious implications for the success of any intervention program aimed at addressing this issue. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate this relationship.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The theory of social control and social development suggests that the close association with a drinking peer group is the primary motive for adolescent drinking (Yeh, 2006). Similarly Chalder et al., 2006, in their study, found that found that peer group influence is a key determinant of alcohol consumption, which can be exacerbated by the drinking behaviors of individuals in peer groups. Peer relationships, such as friendships and romantic relationships, play a significant role in determining adolescents’ alcohol use, which can lead to delinquent behaviors (Fischer and Wiersma, 2012; Kreager et al., 2013). However, Maxwell (2002) found that peer groups could change a person's normative ideas and how they understand information about risky behaviours.
Alcohol use by underage teenagers and adolescents is a pressing public health concern faced by numerous developing nations, Nigeria included (Agofure et al., 2020). Among the young population in Nigeria, secondary school students are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, including alcohol. Starting secondary school often involves adapting to new structures and navigating friendships, belief systems, and one’s place in the social hierarchy. Consequently, students may be influenced by their peers, and peer pressure can lead them to engage in behaviors they might not otherwise, including abusing alcohol (ReachOut Schools, 2023).
While alcohol consumption has become widespread among secondary school students in Nigeria, limited data exists on the relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure, particularly among secondary school students in Ikotun. This research aims to address this gap in knowledge.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The study aims to determine the relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The study had the following specific objectives:
- To determine the prevalence of teenage alcohol abuse among secondary school students in Ikotun.
- To investigate the relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
- To identify effective strategies that can be used to prevent teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
1.5 Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of teenage alcohol abuse among secondary school students in Ikotun?
- What is the relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun?
- What are the most effective strategies for preventing teenage teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is no statistically significant relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
Ha: There is a statistically significant relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
1.7 Justification of the Study
This study will help to identify how peer pressure contributes to teenage alcohol abuse. The results of this study will provide valuable information for policymakers, educators, parents, and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies for prevention and reduction of teenage alcohol abuse.
Additionally, it is anticipated that this study will expand the current literature on peer pressure and alcohol abuse, and serve as a useful reference for future research studies.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is limited to investigating the relationship between teenage alcohol abuse and peer pressure among secondary school students in Ikotun.
