Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption among elderly individuals in Cameroon, particularly in rural communities like Likomba, is a growing public health concern. This study assessed the effects of local alcohol consumption and abuse on the well-being of elderly persons, focusing on cultural, social, and health-related factors.

Methods: A quantitative survey design was employed, with data collected from 50 elderly individuals aged 60 and above in the Likomba community using structured questionnaires. The study examined alcohol consumption patterns, attitudes, risk factors, and consequences, as well as potential mitigation strategies.

Results: The findings revealed that traditional beverages, particularly palm wine (70%) and homemade spirits like “arki” (20%), were the most commonly consumed, driven by cultural practices, affordability, and socialization. While 60% of respondents held positive attitudes toward alcohol, citing its role in stress relief (50%) and community bonding (70%), 26% acknowledged its health risks, including worsened chronic conditions (36%) and strained relationships (30%). Key risk factors included stress, social pressure, and cultural norms, with 30% of participants exhibiting patterns of habitual or addictive use.

Conclusions: The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions, with respondents endorsing education campaigns (60%) and mental health support (50%) as primary mitigation strategies. The findings underscore the interplay of cultural, social, and psychological factors in alcohol consumption among the elderly and call for targeted policies to address its multidimensional harms.

Keywords: Alcohol consumption, elderly well-being, Likomba community

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Historically, Alcohol consumption has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, often used in social, religious, and medicinal contexts.  In Africa, alcohol use has been rising, with the African region reporting some of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita. According to the WHO (2018), the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking among older adults in Africa has increased, leading to health complications such as cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. This trend is particularly concerning given the continent’s unique social and cultural dynamics that influence drinking behaviours.

In Cameroon, alcohol has historically been intertwined with cultural practices, such as traditional ceremonies and social gatherings. However, over time, the cultural acceptance of alcohol has led to increased consumption, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly. According to Tchouaket (2019), traditional practices in Cameroon have normalized alcohol use, making it difficult to address the health risks associated with excessive drinking. The rise in alcohol consumption among older adults in Africa, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), highlights the need for historical context to understand how cultural practices have influenced drinking behaviours over time.

Conceptually, alcohol consumption refers to the intake of alcoholic beverages, which can range from moderate use to heavy drinking and abuse. Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, is a pattern of drinking that leads to significant health, social, or interpersonal problems. For elderly individuals, alcohol consumption can have severe consequences due to age-related physiological changes that increase sensitivity to alcohol (Tchouaket, 2019). The concept of well-being, which includes physical, mental, and emotional health, is crucial in understanding the impact of alcohol on older adults. Coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol to manage stress or emotional challenges, are also important concepts in this study, as they help explain why some elderly individuals may turn to alcohol (Nkwenti & Wankam, 2020).

The consequences of alcohol consumption extend beyond physical health; they also impact mental and emotional well-being. Older adults who consume alcohol may experience increased feelings of isolation and depression, exacerbated by societal perceptions of ageing (Choi et al., 2015). Addressing the mental health implications of alcohol use is vital for providing holistic care to older adults. This aspect of health must be included in any intervention strategies aimed at this population.

Furthermore, the stigma surrounding alcohol use and addiction in Nigeria may prevent older adults from seeking help. Many may perceive alcohol-related health issues as personal failures rather than medical conditions requiring intervention (Lal & Pattanayak, 2017). This stigma can discourage open discussions about alcohol consumption, making it difficult for families and healthcare providers to identify and address these problems effectively. Raising awareness and promoting understanding of alcohol use disorders among older adults is critical.

Theoretically, several theories can help explain alcohol consumption among elderly individuals. The Social Learning Theory by Bandura (1977) suggests that people learn behaviours, including drinking, by observing others, particularly in social and cultural contexts. In Cameroon, where alcohol is often used in social rituals, this theory can explain how elderly individuals may develop drinking habits through imitation and reinforcement from their social environment. For example, older adults may adopt drinking behaviours after observing family members or peers consuming alcohol during ceremonies, festivals, or community gatherings. This normalization of alcohol use in social settings can lead to habitual drinking patterns, especially in rural areas where traditional practices are deeply ingrained.

The Stress-Coping Theory posits that individuals use alcohol as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or depression, which are common among older adults (Nkwenti & Wankam, 2020). Elderly individuals often face significant life transitions, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, or declining health, which can lead to emotional distress. In such situations, alcohol may serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of isolation or sadness. However, reliance on alcohol to manage stress can create a cycle of dependency, where increased consumption exacerbates mental health issues, leading to further drinking. This theory highlights the psychological factors that drive alcohol use among the elderly, particularly in the absence of alternative coping strategies or social support systems.

Additionally, the Health Belief Model (HBM) can be applied to understand how elderly individuals perceive the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, which may influence their drinking behaviours. This model underscores the importance of education and awareness campaigns to help elderly individuals understand the health risks of alcohol and adopt healthier behaviours.

Contextually, in Cameroon, alcohol consumption among the elderly is influenced by a combination of social, cultural, and economic factors. Rural communities, in particular, face challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic disparities, which can exacerbate alcohol-related issues (Offong, 2023).

Traditional practices and cultural norms often normalize alcohol use, making it difficult to address the health risks associated with excessive drinking (Tchouaket, 2019). Furthermore, the stigma surrounding alcohol use and addiction may prevent elderly individuals from seeking help, leading to untreated health problems (Lal & Pattanayak, 2017). The demographic shift toward an ageing population in Cameroon adds urgency to the need for targeted research and interventions to address alcohol consumption among older adults.

In Cameroon, rural communities face additional challenges related to healthcare access and socioeconomic status. Many older adults rely on traditional and herbal remedies, sometimes combining these with alcohol, which can lead to dangerous interactions (Offong, 2023). The absence of formal healthcare systems and the prevalence of misinformation about alcohol use exacerbate these issues. Consequently, rural older adults may not receive adequate support for alcohol-related health problems.

Moreover, the emotional and mental health implications of alcohol consumption among the elderly are not well-documented. Many elderly individuals may use alcohol as a coping mechanism for loneliness and depression, resulting in a cycle of dependency (Nkwenti & Wankam, 2020). This further emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study to explore the interplay between alcohol use, mental health, and social support in this demographic.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Alcohol consumption among elderly individuals in Cameroon has become a critical public health issue, particularly in several small communities in Cameroon.

As the population ages, the effects of alcohol on the health and well-being of elderly men and women must be understood and addressed. Studies indicate that alcohol abuse can exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to increased morbidity and a decline in quality of life for older adults (Nkwenti & Wankam, 2020).  The prevalence of alcohol abuse among the elderly in Cameroon is concerning, as it can lead to severe implications for physical and mental health. Research shows that older adults are at a higher risk for adverse health outcomes from alcohol consumption due to age-related physiological changes (Tchouaket, 2019).

These changes can increase sensitivity to alcohol, resulting in a greater likelihood of experiencing negative health effects. Moreover, the lack of awareness about the risks associated with alcohol use in this age group further compounds the problem. This raises critical questions about the social dynamics in the Likomba community and the support systems available for older adults. Understanding these relationships can help identify the underlying factors contributing to alcohol abuse and inform potential solutions.

1.3 Rational

This study is important because it looks at how local alcohol consumption and abuse affect the well-being of elderly people in the Likomba community. As more elderly persons are living longer, understanding the impact of alcohol on their health is crucial. Older adults can be more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol, which may worsen their health problems and lead to loneliness. This research will provide insights into how often elderly persons drink and how it affects their mental and emotional health. By identifying the challenges they face, the study aims to raise awareness and promote support for these individuals.

1.4 Research Questions

1.4.1 Main Research Question

How does local alcohol consumption and abuse impact the well-being of elderly individuals in the Likomba community?

1.4.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What are the types of local drinks consumed by elderly persons in the Likomba Community?
2. What are the attitudes and practices of the elderly people related to the consumption of local alcohol in the Likomba Community?
3. What are the risk factors and consequences of alcohol consumption and abuse among elderly persons in the Likomba Community?
4. What strategies can be implemented to mitigate alcohol consumption and abuse among elderly persons in the Likomba Community?

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