CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. 1 INTRODUCTION
Alcohol consumption has been part of human history since antiquity. In
many parts of the world drinking alcoholic beverage is a common feature of
social gathering. There are not only numerous biblical example and ancient
myth which refer to alcohol but local oral history and findings suggest that
consumption has been part of the world culture, tradition and custom since
“time immemorial”.
Nevertheless, the excessive consumption of alcohol carries a risk of
adverse health and social consequences related to abuse intake, intoxicating,
toxic and dependence producing properties reported by World Health
Organisation (WHO) 2014.
According to W.H.O. (2014) alcohol is a psychoactive substance with
dependence producing properties that has been widely used in many centuries.
But the fact of enduring alcohol consumption and the passing down of this habit
through generation, does not adequately explain why alcohol is consumed.
Moreover, patterns of alcohol use have changed significantly overtime and
evidence suggests that, the quantity used now is far greater than earlier times.
Furthermore, WHO (2014) estimates that around two (2) billion people
worldwide consume alcohol and there is clearly, no single reason why they do
so or why different people drink to different extends. It is apparently thought
that drinking is influenced by factors such as genetic, social environment,
culture, age, gender, accessibility, exposure and personality.
According to American Medical Association (AMA) 2013 – 2016 said
that alcoholism or alcohol dependence is defined; as “a primary chronic disease

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with genetic, psycho-social and environmental factors influencing in the
development and manifestation”. The effects of alcoholism are far reaching.
Alcohol affects every body system. The problem includes memory disorder,
poor nutrition, liver disease (cirrhosis) hepatitis, hypertension, muscle weakness
including the heart rhythm disturbances, anaemia, clothing factor disorder,
decrease immunity to infection, gastro-intestinal inflammation and irritation,
acute and chronic problem with pancreas, low blood sugar, weakened bone, and
sleep.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2012,
states that about 20 % of adults admitted in the hospital in the world is alcohol
dependent. It is long known that alcohol can pose a significant risk to human
health. The W.H.O. (2010) estimates that around 3.3 million deaths are related
to harmful use of alcohol world wide that is almost 6 % of all death around the
world. Alcohol consumption triggers many diseases such as diabetes,
hypertension, hepatitis, cancer, liver diseases, etc.
According to Meilman et al (2014), alcohol is involved in about 30 % of
homicide and about 22 % of suicide. It is the cause of about 30 % of fatal
motor vehicle accident and is a contributing factor in between one third (1/3)
and half (1/2 ) of all vehicles accident.
Insel and Ruth (2000), stated that about 64 % American over the age of
12 years drink alcohol in some form. According to Adele et al (2014), over 80
% of American high school senior had tried alcohol. Although consumed either
in beer, wine or whisky are highly toxic and can cause intoxication and other
serious problems when consumed even in low quantity.
Natasha Tracy (2000), says that “alcoholism is the most serious form of
problem”. It produces a strong often uncontrollable desire to drink and also in
the other word alcoholism is a disease that produces both physical and
psychological addiction. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant
that reduces anxiety and feelings. According to the Global Information

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System on Alcohol and Health (GIHSAH) (2010), reported that the harmful use
of alcohol results in the death of 3.3 millions people world wide. It also causes
harm to the well being and health of people around the globe. In 2010 world
wide total consumption, was equal from 6.2 litres of pure alcohol per person
from 15 years and above and unrecorded consumption of about 25 % of the
world wide total consumption and 62 % of the adult abstained from alcohol in
the past 12 months.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2010) NIAAA.
Approximately, 7.2 % or 17 million adults in the United States, ages 18 years
and older had an Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) in 2012. This includes 11.2
million men and 5.7 million women. Adolescents can be diagnosed with an
Alcohol Use Disoders (AUD) as well, and in 2012, an estimated 855,000
adolescent’s ages 12 – 17 years had an Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD).
In addition W.H.O. (2014), says about 160 million alcoholic in the world
are not treated. In United State about 17 million (7 %) of adults and 0.7 million
(2.8 %) of 12 – 20 years of ages are affected. It is common in male and female
adults and it is also common in Africa.
In Africa, the average is 6.15 litres just 20 milli litres higher, that is the
equivalent to drinking one double measure (50ml) of whisky more each year.
According to WHO Kenya alcohol consumption per capita is 4.14 litres, putting
it 118th out of a list of 189 countries. In South Africa, average alcohol
consumption is almost double the WHO African region average of litres, and is
expected to be 12.1 litres in 2025.
Moreso, in Uganda, they are also considered binge drinkers, consuming
at least 60 grams or more of pure alcohol in one session within a 30-day period
WHO (2016).
According by Kongnyuy (2007) states that Cameroon drinking of pure
alcohol per capita for men and women older than 15 years is about 41.4 % of
men and 25.8% of women consume alcohol regularly in Cameroon.

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 The investigator had a lot of motivation for the choice of the topic and the
area in question because after passing her childhood in the community, under
study she realised that the rate of alcohol consumption was alarming in Kake
Village coupled with the fact that this village has a lot of drinking spots around
the community.
The investigator witnessed a case in Kake where a motor bike rider
consumed alcohol excessively and he immediately after consuming, he took his
bike and entered the road, he was knocked down by an incoming truck where he
gave off the ghost instantly.
The investigator also assisted in one case at Baptist Hospital Mutengene
(BHM) during her clinical placement, were a diabetic patient was admitted in
the hospital. He was a follow-up case and the doctor advised him to stop
alcohol intake, but he did not take advise into consideration and he continued
drinking, by this time the disease was already chronic coupled with
hypertension which then resulted to his untimely death.
Lastly, the investigator also had a brother who was very intelligent but as
a result of excessive consumption, this led him to poor academic performance.
He could no longer coped with studies and had to drop out from school. Taken
all these into consideration, the investigator noticed that alcoholism was a
serious problem in public health. All these motivation led the investigator to
carry out “An Assessment of the Knowledge on Alcoholism and its
Consequences”.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the knowledge of the inhabitants of Kake village on the
consequences of excessive consumption of alcohol on their health.

1.3 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

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 To assess the knowledge of the population of Kake village on the
consequences of excess of alcohol intake and purpose solution to bridge any
knowledge deficit.

1.4 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 To identify individual characteristics of the respondents and to relate
them to the study,
 To assess their knowledge on alcoholism
 To assess their knowledge on the consequences of alcoholism
 To purpose solution depending on the outcome of the study.

1.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Every body supposes to be healthy and for that reason, there are some
basic human needs which are necessary. Every one requires the same basic
need and it depends on the person’s level of health and position on the health
illness continuum.
The concepts of Virginia Henderson model (1966) and her theory of
independence goes with the satisfaction of the basic human needs. From her
concept she sees man as a whole, presenting with fourteen (14) components of
basic needs. In order to develop a conceptual framework of this study three
(03) basic needs were adopted.
 The need to communicate
 The need to learn and be knowledgeable
 The need to avoid danger

1.5.1 The Need to Communicate

Communication is the act of sending and receiving information, ideas, opinion,
feeling and attitude between two or more people. Here the purpose of
communication is to increase awareness in the knowledge of excessive

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consumption of alcohol; the population should know the consequences of
alcoholism such as liver danger, heart problem, fatal traffic accidents, violent
behavior, legal problem, depression, memory loss, and then communicate it to
their family, friends and others.

1.5.2 The Need to Learn and be Knowledgeable

Learning is very important in this case to avoid the coming danger of
mortality in the hospital and community. Through learning, the respondents are
obliged to known the adverse effects of excessive consumption of alcohol and
causes such as genetic, psychological, environmental and social factors and also
in the other hand some of the side effects are memory disorder, muscle
weakness, liver disease, poor nutrition, hypertension, etc, it is very important
since it will help to change in the habit of too much intake of alcohol which they
may intend to reach others, with this their quality of life will be improved.
1.5.3 The Need to Avoid Danger
Here, the need to avoid danger should be clearly identified and it’s impact
on their life. For example, alcohol causes liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hepatitis,
hypertension, memory disorder, heart disease, etc. they should avoid or be
aware of all these in order to avoid the danger in alcoholism.

1.6 THE DEFINITION OF TERMS

Alcoholism – It is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and
pre-occupation with alcohol.

Alcoholic Beverage – It is a drink that contains ethanol. A type of alcohol

produced by fermentation of grains, fruits or other sources of sugar.

Binge Drinking – It is a situation whereby a person consumed five (05) to 7 or

more drinks within about the space of two hours at the same sitting.

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Harmful Drinking – It is a pattern of alcohol consumption causing health
problems directly related to alcohol.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Generally, alcohol is a complex health and social issue, even though there
is little doubt that considerable harm is done through it’s abuse but in
moderation drinking alcohol is an acceptable convention utilized by over 2
billion people world wide.
According to Freeman et al (2006) reported that alcoholic beverage have
been used by virtually all cultures through most of their recorded history and
that is how it provided background to questions such as why people consume
alcohol? Who consumes it? How much and when?

2.2 DEFINITION OF ALCOHOLISM

According to WHO (2016) defines alcoholism as a disease or a chronic
alcohol use to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health or with
normal social or work behavior.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (1990) ASAM defined
alcoholism as “a primarily chronic disease characterized by impair control over
drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol despite adverse consequences and
distortion.

2.3 WHY IS ALCOHOL CONSUMED?

The WHO (2014) estimates that around two (2) billion people world wide
consume alcohol and there is clearly no single reason why they do or why
different people drink to different extends.

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 According to Charles et al (2006) reported that it is an apparent thought
that drinking is influenced by factors such as genetics, social environment,
culture, age, gender, accessibility, exposure and personality.

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2.4 COMMON REASONS WHY ALCOHOL IS CONSUMED
According to Parry (2006) states that there are some reasons why people
consume alcohol. Some of these reasons are;
2.4.1 Alcohol as a social lubricant;
Alcohol assist people to relax more easily and mixed socially. It is also
disinhibit defense and facilitates company.
2.4.2 Use of Alcohol in Rural
Alcohol has a “mystique” not shared by non-alcohol beverages and it’s
use in traditional rituals appears to add to the aura of special occasion.
2.4.3 Social Sharing
Sharing an alcoholic drink with other people promotes a boundary and a
connectedness amongst consumers often not gained through sharing non-
alcoholic beverage.
2.4.4 Alcohol as a Reducer of Stress
According to Sayette et al (1999) drinking can reduce stress in certain
people and under certain circumstances. Alcohol is used to reduce the tension
of an event.
2.4.5 Lack of Information
According to Parry (2006) reported that, many people are ignorant of the
facts regarding the impacts and effects of alcohol and drink without knowing
dangers.

2.5 WHO IS RECOGNISE AS ALCOHOLIC

According to WHO (2012) states that an alcoholic is when someone has a
drinking problem. It is usually someone who consumed alcohol excessively in
a week or in a prolong period of time.

2.6 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOLISM

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 According by NIAAA (2009), the sign of alcohol and alcohol abuse are
very similar and are often just a question of degree or intensity. The signs and
symptoms of alcoholism as well as alcohol abuse is concern include;
 Having urge to drink
 Drinking large quality of alcohol
 Having working problem
 Having money problem
 Having relationship problem
 Having marital problem with his in-laws.
 Nausea
 Sweating
 Loss of appetite

2.7 THE TYPES OF ALCOHOL BEVERAGES

According to Kapoor et al (2015) many alcoholic beverages and their
ingredients are over whelming and some of their industries and magazines
eventually help to a clear meaning of understanding of each alcohol type and
ingredients such as beer, wine and distilled (whisky, champagne).

2.8 STAGES OF ALCOHOLISM

According to Morton et al (2018) states that alcoholism is a disease of the
brain. The stages of alcoholism includes; pre-alcoholic, early, middle and late
alcoholic;
2.8.1 Stage One: Pre-alcoholic
According to Morton (2018), during the pre-alcoholic stage, there is little
evidence of problem drinking. Much of the behavior during this phase would
look typical to a casual observer and drinking is primarily social at this stage.

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 However, as this stage progresses, drinking is used with increasing
greater frequency as a means of stress reduction as the person begins to develop
a tolerance for alcohol.

2.8.2 Stage Two: Early Alcoholic

According to Morton (2018) states that, this stage is characterized by a
growing discomfort with drinking combined with an inability to resist it. The
early stage of alcoholism is mostly initiation and experimentation which
indicates the first time to use alcohol.
Furthermore, initiation is the initial introduction to drinking and it
commonly occurs in adolescence while experimentation occurs when you begin
to use alcohol more regular such as drinking at the bar on weekends, parties or
sporting events.

2.8.3 Stage Three: Middle Alcoholic

According to Jellinek (2018), in the middle alcoholic stage, the symptoms
of alcoholism usually become obvious to friends and family members. You
may begin to missing work or social obligations because of drinking.
Moreso, it is when social drinking becomes problematic drinking also
known as alcohol abuse; and also develop facial redness, stomach bloating,
sluggishness, weight gain or weight loss.

4.8.4 Stage Four: Late Alcoholic

Alcoholism is a progressive disease, once it develops, it will only grow
worse until it is successfully treated through a quality holistic rehabilitation
program.

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 During the late alcoholic stage, the effects of long-term alcohol abuse are
apparent and serious health problems may develop such as cirrhosis of the liver
or dementia. However, the late stages of alcoholism can be help with therapy.

2.9 CAUSES OF ALCOHOLISM

According to Talbott et al (2018) reported that alcoholism is as a result of
a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental and social factors. The
most risk factor a person exhibits, the more likely they are to become an
alcoholic and sometimes those risk factors are entirely out of the person’s
control. Let’s cover some of them below;
2.9.1 Stressful Environments
According to Talbot et al (2018) reported that while not every persons
turns to alcohol so as to relieve stress but some people do. When a person has a
stressful job, for example, he may be more likely to drink heavily.

2.9.2 Drinking at an Early Age

According to the Mayo Clinic (2018) reported that, those who begin
drinking at an early age are more likely to have an alcohol problem as they get
dependence on alcohol as they get older and drinking become a comfortable
habit because the body’s tolerance levels may increase.

2.9.3 Causes of Alcoholic in Adults

According to the data presented by the (CDC) in 2010, reports that almost
60 % of men are current regular drinkers. It is also reported that more men are
former regular drinkers than women, people of aged 18 years and above are
regular alcohol drinkers with about 50 %, while 13.6 % are frequent alcohol
drinkers overall, 23 % of adult aged 18 years and above drinks more 5 to 10
alcoholic drinks in one day.

2.9.4 Causes of Alcoholism in Adolescents

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 According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(NIAAA) 2018 reports that an estimated 16 million people in the United States
have Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) an addiction to alcohol specifically, while
15 millions of these individuals are adults, there are about 623,000 adolescents
between the ages of 12 and 17 years who have a diagnosable (AUD) Alcohol
Used Disorders.
Furthermore, The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Health Substance (YRBS)
2015 found that, adolescents who drink alcohol are more likely to skip school,
fail grade, become aggressive, fight with friends and attempt suicide. In
addition to that, teenagers who abuse alcohol are more likely to engage in risky
sexual behavior.
2.10 HEALTH CONDITION RELATED TO ALCOHOL
CONSUMPTION
According to Freeman et al (2006) reported that both acute intoxication
and chronic or long-term excessive drinking may have adverse effect on the
brain, central nervous and muscular system, liver, heart, blood cells, gastro-
intestine system, respiratory system, reproductive system as well as the immune
system.
These are some of the conditions linked to chronic heavy drinking, which
are;
2.10.1 Liver
According to Freeman (2006) says alcohol is absorbed quickly into the
blood system, passes through the organs where it oxidizes slowly and can cause
damage. The most common organ affected is the liver, such as the alcohol
hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver, jaundice and abdominal
pain and also scar tissue may replace healthy tissue leading to a process of
fibrosis. This condition is reversible with abstinence.

2.10.2 The Heart

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 According to WHO (2005) reported that alcohol can be beneficial or
harmful to the cardiovascular system depending on the amount consumed and
the characteristic of the consumer.
In addition, heavy drinking can cause cardiomyopathy, a potentially
deadly condition in which the heart muscle weaken and eventually fails as well
as heart rhythm abnormalities such as arterial and ventricular fibrillation.
Heavy drinking also causes platelets more likely to clump together into blood
clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

2.10.3 Cancer
According to Jurgen et al (2010) says that “habitual drinking increases
the risk of cancer”, and that the department of addiction policy and a senior
scientist at the centre for addiction and mental health believe that the increased
risk comes when the body convert alcohol into potent carcinogen.

2.10.4 Dementia
According to Charles et al (2006) reports that, as people age, their brain
shrinks, on average at a rate of about 19 % per decade which is considered
normal, but heavy drinking speeds the shrinkage of certain key regions in the
brain resulting in memory loss.

2.10.5 Depression
According to Saitz (2011) says, it has long been known that heavy
drinking often goes hand in hand with depression, but there has been debate
about which came first, drinking or depression. One theory is that depressed
people turned to alcohol in an attempt to “self medicine” to ease their emotional
pain”.

2.10.6 High Blood Pressure

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 According to the reports presented by Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in 2015. Alcohol can disrupt the sympathetic nervous
system, which among other things, controls the construction and dilatation of
the blood vessels in response to stress and temperature.

2.10.7 Pancreatitis
According to Saitz (2011) reported that alcohol causes stomach irritation
while drinking can inflame the pancreas.
In addition, chronic pancreatitis interferes with the digestive process
causing severe abdominal pain and persistence diarrhea while other cases of
chronic pancreatitis are triggered by gall stones but 60% is caused by alcohol
consumption.

2.11 HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS THE BODY

According to Lewis Collier (2000) reported that, alcohol affect almost all
cells of the body and disrupt the central nervous system. Alcohol effects are
directly proportional to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) because
alcohol is evenly distributed by the body through the blood stream.
There are so many long-term effects of alcohol abuse while putting the
body into danger, which are;

2.11.1 Immune System

According to the National Institute Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
((NIAAA) (2010) reported that, drinking too much alcohol can weaken your
immune system by making your body much easier target for disease. Most
chronic drinkers are more liable to contact diseases like pneumonia and
tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much.

2.11.2 Sexual Reproductive Health

According to Montana State University (2018) reports that, alcohol can
affects the male reproductive system by reducing the levels of testosterone,

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shrink the testes which can result in infertility, impotence and the reduction in
the secondary characteristics such as reduce chest and facial hair and also
reduce enlargement of breast.
Added to, West Virginia University (2018) reports that, alcohol abuse
affect also the female reproductive system in such away that female faced the
effect of abnormal menstrual cycles, abortion, failure to ovulate and early
menopause.

2.11.3 Digestive System

According to Austin et al (2018) reported that, excessive consumption of
alcohol can damage digestive system and can increase risk of cancer and liver
disease.
Digestive system includes; the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach,
pancreas and anus. Heavy drinking can cause heart burn, stomach ulcers and
gastritis can also occur.

2.12 EFFECT OF ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2016, reports that alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the foetus through the
umbilical cord. Drinking of alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage,
still birth and a range of life long physical behavioral and intellectual
disabilities.
Moreso, these disabilities are known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
(FASDs), characterized by; poor memory, low body weight, speech and
language delays and heart problem.

2.13 COMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOLISM

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 According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(NIAAA) 2018, reported that alcoholism causes a number of complications to
the human system when consumed.
These are some of the complications of alcoholism below;
 Memory loss
 Blurred vision (eye muscle become worn)
 Confusion
 Diabetes
 Hypertension
 Liver disease
 Erectile dysfunction
 Menstruation disorders
 Coma
 Hangover
 Difficulty concentrating
 Sudden death (accident, suicide)

2.14 TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

2.14.1 The Form of Treatment
According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(NIAAA) 2018, states that, there are several treatment options available for
Alcohol Used Disorders (AUD). Some treatment options for AUD are guided
by mental professionals.
For example, alcohol counseling can help to identify and change behavior
that lead to drinking, build a stronger support system, develop attainable goals
and handle triggers that leads to relapses.
In addition, treatment may also involves standard therapies used to treat
other mental illnesses, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which is
commonly used to treat depression among other disorders.

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 According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2018, drugs for
alcoholism approved include;
 Anatabuse (disulfiram) which helps to avoid drinking alcohol by causing
nausea, skin flushing and other unpleasant symptoms when you drink
alcohol by blocking the metabolism of alcohol in the body.
 Campral (acamprosate calcium) which can help continue to abstain from
drinking and is thought to work by restoring brain chemical imbalances
caused by heavy drinking.
 Vivitrol (naltrexone) which helps reduce heavy drinking by blocking the
feelings of intoxication.
 Rehabilitation on the other hand, is usually a month-long treatment program
in a facility that completely removes one from situations and circumstance to
continue the substance abuse.

2.14.2 Stages of the Treatment

2.14.2.1 Detoxification
According to Delphi et al (2018), the alcohol detoxification stage is the
first step in treating alcoholism. During this time, alcohol is completely flushed
from the body.
In addition to detoxification alone is seldom sufficient to maintain any
long-tem life style change. Withdrawal symptoms typically subside within
approximately on to two weeks after starting detoxification, however, this could
take longer depending on the severity of the Alcohol Used Disorders (AUD),
and further treatment are require to assist the client during this period of
following detoxification.

2.14.2.2 Rehabilitation

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 According to Lee Weber (2015), an addiction rehabilitation program is a
service that provides treatment and recovery services to someone who abuses or
has become addicted to alcohol.
Moreso, alcohol rehabilitation programs can be in-patient or out-patient
include treatment services that adapted to the need of each individual patient.
They provide detoxification services, psychological treatment and counseling.
The main goals of alcohol rehabilitation are as follows;
 To end alcohol abuse; this goal will be achieved by making personal,
interpersonal and psychological changes in order to remain abstinent from
alcohol use.
 The next goal is to improve overall health. In addition to the benefits of
sobriety, alcohol rehabilitation programs also aim to reduce future health
risks which often present themselves when someone has been abusing
alcohol for a significant period of time.
 Another goal is to treat psychiatric disorders and psychological problems.
The amount of time a person experiences underlying psychological trauma
and psychiatric disorders. Alcohol rehabilitation programs aim to treat these
psychological problems in order to secure a chance at remaining sober in
future.
 Lastly, to help the client integrate back into the society. These goals aim to
give the patient a positive future.

2.14.2.3 Alcohol Maintenance

According to comprehensive addiction and recovery act in America

(CARA) 2018, declared that drugs maintenance program should become the
norm for treating alcoholism and addiction and as such extra funding was made
possible for those sorts of treatment options.

However, it is better to control and give the addict or alcoholic their

desired drugs so that they do not need to result to crime or dangerous behaviors.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter comprises choice of study, setting of the study, brief
description of the study area and the method used in collecting data.

3.2 SETTING OF THE STUDY

The setting of the study was carried out in Kake Village in the Meme
Division, in the South West Region of Cameroon.

3.3 CHOICE OF THE STUDY SITE

The investigator had a lot of motivation for the choice of the topic and the
area in question because after passing her childhood in the community, under
study, she realized that the rate of alcohol consumption was alarming in Kake
Village coupled with a lot of drinking spots.

3.4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY

The Kake Village is situated about six kilometers away from Kumba
Town along the Mbonge Road.
The Kake Village has a population of about 7,000 inhabitants. It is a
cosmopolitan area which habour all tribes and races all over the national
territory but the indigenous population are the Bakundus.
It is bounded to the North by Small Ekombe, to the South by Kumba
Town , to the West by Mbalangi and to the East by Barombi Mbo.
The Kake Village is headed by a traditional ruler (chief). There are so
many nursery, primary, secondary, high schools with also one integrated health
center and other private hospitals.

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 Most of the inhabitants in the study site do farming as their main
occupation and their economic products include; cocoa, palm oil, groundnut,
maize, rubber, cassava just to name a few; while others do small businesses to
earn a living.

3.5 STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive non experimental study design was used in this research.
This enables the investigator to collect data from respondents on the knowledge
on alcoholism and its consequences.

3.6 SAMPLING METHOD

3.6.1 Target Population of the Study
The target population are the inhabitants of Kake Village

3.6.2 Sampling Method

A non probability sampling method was used, specifically it was the
convenient sampling technique to make up a sample size of 50 respondents.

3.6.3 Sampling Size

The sampling size of 50 respondents was fixed for this study and all the
50 questionnaires which were handed to them, were all answered and the
response rate was 100 %.

3.7 DATA COLLECTION METHOD

3.7.1 The Instrument for Data Collection
The data collection instrument used by the investigator for the study was
a structured questionnaire made up of open ended, yes or no questions and
closed ended questions
The total numbers of questions were 24 and they were divided into three
sections;
Section A: Individual characteristics

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Section B: Knowledge on alcoholism
Section C: Knowledge on the consequences of alcoholism
3.8 VALIDITY OF INSTRUMENT
3.8.1 The Content of the Instrument
The content of the instrument was validated by my supervisor, a lecturer
in the Training School for Health Personnel (SRN) Limbe.

3.8.2 Pre-testing of Instrument

The pre-testing was done in Nkamlikum quarter in Kumba Town on the
26th of December 2018, to see if questions were understood by the respondents.

3.8.3 Modification of Instrument

No question was modified and none was added.
3.8.4 Procedure of Data Collection
The investigator contacted the Chief of the village, some explanations
were made and questionnaires were distributed among the target number of
persons.
In case of any doubts as they filled the questionnaires, they were given
clarifications. This exercise was done in the presence of the investigator and
handed back immediately as they were through.

3.8.5 Ethical Consideration

In order to respect authority, the investigator first of all obtained an
authorization from the Director of the Teaching School of Health Personnel
(SRN) Limbe to the Chief of Kake village to carry out this study.
In the village area, the investigator introduced herself to the population
and explained her mission and purpose for the research and also, the
investigator made the population to understand that all information gotten was
confidential and was going to be used for research purpose only.

3.8.6 Duration of the Study

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 The study started in August, 2018 and ended in April 2019. Data for
the study was collected from December 28th to 30th December 2018.

3.8.7 Administration and Supervision

The questionnaire was administered to the respondents and was
supervised by the investigator.

3.9 DATA ANALYSIS

The data collected was analysed with the aid of a computerized system.
The results were presented in numbers, percentage and interpreted in charts,
tables, histogram and text format.

3.10 COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS

Results will be communicated to the following
The TSHP (SRN) Limbe
The Jury Members
The Supervisor of the study
The Chief of Kake Village

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 CHAPTER 4
[[[

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND

INTEPRETATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of the population of
Kake Village on alcoholism and it’s consequences.
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and results presented
as follows;

4.1 SECTION A: INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS

Frequency
(108o)
Female
Male

35 (252o)

4.1.1 Figure 1: A Pie Chart showing the distribution of respondents

according to gender.
Majority of the respondents were males 35(252 o) while minority were
females 15(108o)
35
30
30
25
15 - 30
20
15 31-45
15 46-60
10 60-Above
5 2
0
Frequency

4.1.2 Figure 2: Histogram showing the distribution of respondents

according to Age.
Majority 30(60%) were aged 31-45 years and minority 2(4%) were 61
and above
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 30
25 30 Single
20 Married
18
15 Widow(er)
10 2
5
0

4.1.3 Figure 3: Histogram showing the distribution of respondents

according to Marital status.
A greater majority 30(60%) were single while minority 2(4%) were
widow / widower
30(60%)
60
50
40
30
14(28%)
20 (6(12%)
10
0
Christian Muslim Others

4.1.4 Figure 4: A Bar Chart showing the distribution of respondents

according to Religion.
Out of 50 respondents, majority 30(60%) were Christians and minority
6(12%) were Muslim.

Frequency
Frequency
20
13
10
3 4

Farming Student Business Teaching Nursing

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4.1.5 Figure 5: A Bar Chart showing the distribution of respondents
according to Occupation.

Majority of the respondents 20(40%) were farmers and minority 3(6%)

were teacher.

4.2 SECTION B: KNOWLEDGE ON ALCOHOLISM

4.2.1 Table 1: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 7: “What is alcoholism?

Responses Frequency Percentage Remarks

Consumption of excessive alcohol 30 60 % Right
Consumption of alcoholism 14 28 % Wrong
Occasional consumption of alcohol 6 12 %
Total 50 100
From the table above majority 30(60%) gave the right answer while
minority 20(40%) gave the wrong answer.

4.2.2 Table 2: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 8: “How many stages of alcoholism do you know?”

Responses Frequency Percentage Remarks

2 stages 14 28 Wrong
3 stages 10 20 Wrong
4 stages 20 40 Right
6 stages 6 12 Wrong
Total 50 100
From the table above a greater majority 30(60%) gave the wrong answer
while minority 20(40%) gave the right answer.

4.2.3 Table 3: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 10: “What are the effects of alcoholism do you know?”
Responses Frequency Percentage Remarks
Physical effects 4 8% Partial
Psychological; 10 20 Right
Mental and developmental effects 6 12
Spiritual effects 21 42 Wrong

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A, B and C are correct 9 18 Right
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority of the respondents 41(82%) gave the
partially and right answer while minority 9(18%) gave the wrong answer

4.2.4 Table 4: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 11: “What are the clinical manifestation presented by a person
with alcoholism?”
Responses Frequency Percentage Remarks
Drinking in secret 5 10 Partially
Having work problem 10 20 Right
Stop drinking 10 20 Wrong
A and B are correct 25 50 Right
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority of the respondents 25 (50%) gave the
right answer, while 15(30%) gave the partially right and minority 10(20%) gave
the wrong answer.

4.2.5 Table 5: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 12: “How often do you consume alcohol?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
Daily 20 40
Weekly 10 20
Monthly 16 32
Occupationally 4 8
Total 50 100
From the table above, some respondents 20(40%) drink alcohol daily,
others 10(20%) drink weekly, while others 16(32%) drink monthly and some of
the minority 4(8%) drink alcohol occasionally.

4.2.6 Table 6: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 13: “What quantity of alcohol do you consumed at a time?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
1 to 2 bottles 15 30
3 to 4 bottles 10 20
5 and above 25 50
Total 50 100
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 From the table above up to 25(50%) drink 5 and above bottles a day.

4.2.7 Table 7: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 14: “When was the first time you consumed alcohol?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
In primary school 20 40
In secondary school 19 38
In high school 7 14
University level 4 8
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority 20(40%) consumed alcohol while in
primary school and minority 4(8%) consumed while in the university

4.3 SECTION C: KNOWLEDGE ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF

ALCOHOLISM

4.3.1 Table 8: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 16: “Have you been involved in any problem due to drinking of
alcohol?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 40 80
No 10 20
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority of the respondents 40(80%) who said Yes
reported situations such as fighting, road accident, poor behavior and loss of
jobs and minority 10(20%) have never been involved.

4.3.2 Table 9: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 18: “Is alcohol beneficial to your health?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 30 60
No 20 40
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority 30(60%) said Yes and with reasons like it
helps them to forget their problems, give them courage to express themselves,

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good for the body and also for pleasure while minority 20(40%) says no benefit
to their health.

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4.3.3 Table 10: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to
question 20: “Are there any consequences of excess alcohol consumption?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 49 98
No 1 2
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority 49(98%) said the right answer while
minority 1(2%) gave the wrong answer.

4.3.4 Table 11: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 21: “Which are the diseases related to excess alcohol
consumption?”

Responses Frequency Percentage Remarks

Heart disease 4 8 Partially
Hypertension 7 14 Partially
Liver damage 8 16 Partially
Cholera 4 8 Wrong
Malaria 2 4 Wrong
B, C, E are correct 25 50 Right
Total 50 100
From the table above, majority 25(50%) gave the best answer, while
minority 6(12%) gave the wrong answer

4.3.5 Table 12: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to

question 23: “Were your parents drinking alcohol when you were growing
up?”
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 40 80
No 10 20
Total 50 100
The above table, majority 40(80%) said yes while minority 10(20%) says
no.

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4.3.6 Table 13: Frequency Distribution of Respondents according to
question 24: “What can be the consequences of excess alcohol on ones social
life and education?”
a) Social Life
Responses Frequency Percentage
Poor behavior 20 40
Poor relationship with people 8 16
Poor moral 10 20
Lack of job 10 20
No effect 2 4
Total 50 100
From the above table, a greater number of respondents 20(40%) said
alcohol have serious consequences on social life while minority 2(4%) said
there is no consequences.
b) Education
Responses Frequency Percentage
Poor performance in school 25 50
Little concentration 9 18
Poor reasoning 15 30
No effect 1 2
Total 50 100
From the table above, up to 25(50%) said alcohol have greater
consequences on education while minority 1(2%) said it has no effect.

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 CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The results presented in the preceding chapter will be discussed in this
chapter, as in the presentation of results, this discussion will follow trend of the
specific objectives highlighted by different sections of the questionnaire.

5.2 SECTION A; INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF

RESPONDENTS
To begin with, majority of the respondents were males and minority were
females. According to CDC (2014) which state that the tendency of male
consuming alcohol is greater than females because of genetic make-up.
As regards age, most of the respondents from the age of 31 to 45 were
taken into consideration and according to Chihill (1997) who states that
between 30 and 35 to 40 years in America, alcohol consumption is most
considered.

5.3 KNOWLEDGE ON ALCOHOLISM

Considering the fact that all of the respondents agreed to have heard of
the word alcoholism and this also made most of the respondents to give the right
definition of alcoholism which is excessive consumption of alcohol. This is in
accordance with WHO (2014) which state that alcoholism is the excessive
consumption of alcohol
According to Morton et al (2018) states that concentration of alcohol in
the brain causes problems to those who consumed excessive alcohol.
Furthermore, most of the respondents gave reasons why they consume
alcohol, it is mostly directed to peer pressure and according to National Institute
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of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) 2011, states that peer pressure is
the most common causes of alcoholism amongst young adults.
Lastly, the greater majority of the respondents agreed that alcohol is
beneficial to their body system and in accordance with WHO (2005) states that
moderate drinking for not more than two beer per a day could be of beneficial
effect to health, meanwhile in the contrary, it is also harmful to others to their
body system, as it is supported by Jellinek (2018) who states that despite its
benefit, it causes variety of health problems such as facial redness, sluggishness
and weight gain or loss.

5.4 KNOWLEDGE ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOLISM

All respondents acknowledged the problems that alcohol has
consequences like liver problems, hypertension and in accordance with
American Medical Association (AMA) 2013, states that alcoholism has many
consequences to the body organs such as cirrhosis, hypertension, heart disease
and diabetes.
Considering the consequences of alcoholism on social life and education,
the greater majority of the respondents gave various consequences like poor
concentration, misfit in the society and poor reasoning at one point in time,
which usually contributed to academic dropout.
All in all, there are so many social problems arising from alcoholism
which can make an alcoholic dependent become socially misfit in the society.

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 CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS

6.1 INTRODUCTION
Base on the finding of this study, the following conclusions,
recommendations and proposals for further studies have been made.

6.2 CONCLUSIONS
 A greater majority of the respondents were male (70 %) in the sense that
they are the working population in the society.
 Minority of the respondents were females (30 %) because they are the
depending population in the society.
 A good number of the respondents have heard the word alcoholism.
 Generally, most of the respondents are single (60%) because of
irresponsibility.
 Majority of the respondents knew the consequences of alcoholism and only
minority of the respondents were able to outline the causes of alcoholism.
Lastly, most of the respondents were knowledgeable on the consequences of
alcoholism; meanwhile, the population still keeps on consuming the liquor.

6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
 The government should have a firm policy on alcoholism by employment in
order to reduce the rate of alcohol consumption in the country.
 The government should implement strict rules at job side against alcohol.
 The government should have a therapeutic approach like detoxification
programs for those who have alcoholic problems for example, liver cirrhosis,
loss of memory, hypertension and diabetes.

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 Communication strategies should be developed by using media regularly on
a wider scale to meet the population on the subject, knowledge on the
consequences of alcoholism
 Health practitioners or nurses should always organize health education
programmes with emphasis on consequences of alcoholism.
 Parents should always be advise to stop or change the minimum legal
purchasing age and to avoid the consumption of alcoholic drinks at home.

6.4 PROPOSALS
Considering the results obtained in the study, similar study should be
carried out in other areas in different villages or towns of the nation in order to
sensitize the community on the consequences of alcoholism.
Also, the government should always organise a detoxification programme
in the hospitals in order to help or manage the withdrawal symptoms to
maintain a change in their life style.

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