A survey of illicit brew consumption and its effects on socioeconomic status in the households of Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol use affects approximately 1.3 billion people and contributes to 3.5% of global health problems and disability (WHO 2004). In Kenya, 60% of alcohol consumed is illicit brew (Nacada,2002) despite being declared illegal in 1978 through a presidential decree. Mass incidences of blindness, massive death, low standards of education, poverty and deteriorating health conditions directly affect the consumers and society at large.The Alcohol Control Act of 2010 has been enacted to regulate the quality and hours of alcohol consumption. This survey assessed the socioeconomic effects of alcohol consumption in the household in Mumias Division. Objective: To survey consumption of illicit brew and determine social and economic effects of the brew on households Mumias division, Kenya. Study area: Mumias division, Western province, Kenya. Sugar cane farming is the main economic activity in the area. Study design: Cross sectional survey. All data collection was done at a point in time Study population. A total of 353 respondents took part in the study. Sampling: Stratified random sampling was used in selection of household heads and the key informants sampled purposively. Data collection tools: face to face interview, structured questionnaires, observation and focus group discussions (FGDs). Data Analysis: Frequencies, percentages. Chi-square test and logistic regression was done using SPSS statistical software. Data presentation: tables, pie charts, bar charts. Results: Most (64.6%) of the respondents were male, (77.1%) of whom consumed alcohol and of these, 33.3% consumed home made brew. Age, education level, employment and income level were all independently significantly associated with consumption of illicit brew (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that adjusting for all other factors including education, age, employment and income levels were significant factors predicting consumption of illicit brew (all p<0.05) Conclusion: Illicit brew consumption had effects on both the user and non user and contributed to the social and economic problems in the household. Low level of education, lack of employment, low income and age were predicting factors leading to illicit brew consumption. Recommendations Illicit brew and related problems arose out of complex relationship between the consumer, alcohol, culture and social, political, economic and physical environment. Policies, programs and other initiatives should be established to strengthen individual ability, family and community to economic and social empowerment as tools to fight alcoholism.