Publication: Exploring the Sociodemographic Factors and Consequences related to Alcohol Consumption among Older Indigenous Community of a District in Nepal: A Qualitative Study
Date
2024
Authors
Begam, Salina
Paudel, Shishir
Chalise, Anisha
Khan, Gulam Moiz
Tuladhar, Lirisha
Khadka, Santosh
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Alcoholism is a major global public health concern associated with numerous health conditions. Alcohol use has been a cultural part of several ethnic groups in Nepal. This study aimed to explore the qualitative dimension of alcohol use, its promoting factors, and consequences in Nepalese communities.
Methods: Qualitative study was conducted among 20 older adults belonging to the Magar community of Mathagadhi Rural Municipality, Lumbini Province, Nepal after acquiring ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee of CiST College (Reference number: 179/078/079). The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, and themes were identified based on participants’ responses to explore promoting factors for alcohol consumption along with its consequences.
Results: Traditional beliefs, cultural practices, and socioeconomic factors were the major contributors to alcohol misuse. Increased alcohol consumption during old age was perceived to be associated with body pain, tension, painful life events, and loneliness.
Conclusions: A conflicting perception was observed, where some of the participants expressed the need to promote alcohol use as a part of their culture while some shared the view that the use of alcohol as a cultural practice should be limited. This study highlights the need for culturally appropriate interventions to address alcohol misuse among indigenous communities. Interventions should focus on addressing traditional beliefs and cultural practices that normalize alcohol consumption and the social and economic problems associated with alcohol misuse.
Description
Salina Begam
CiST College, Pokhara University, Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Shishir Paudel
CiST College, Pokhara University, Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Anisha Chalise
Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Kusunti, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Gulam Moiz Khan
School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Lekhnath, Kaski, Nepal.
Lirisha Tuladhar
Department of Public Health, CiST College, Pokhara University, Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Santosh Khadka
Department of Public Health, CiST College, Pokhara University, Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.