Abstract

Background The choice of beverage consumed by a drinker is influenced by social and cultural circumstances. It is unclear how that relationship manifests in a society in transition from traditional to modern forms of alcohol use. Specifically, it is not known whether the choice between modern and traditional beverages is associated with distinct drinking patterns and drink-related problems.
Aim We studied a community sample of drinkers to determine to what extent their choice of alcohol beverage is associated with problematic drinking pattern and self-reported health problems.
Method We employed a stratified multi-stage clustered sampling procedure to select households. A full listing of all residents in selected households was obtained, and respondents for interview identified. A structured diagnostic Interview was used to determine alcohol- related disorders.
Results Industrial beer was the first choice of beverage for most, 388 ( 47.9%), but more than a quarter preferred palm wine or sorghum beer as
their beverage of first choice. Drinkers of palm wine or sorghum beer had less years of education and less income than drinkers of industrial beer or of spirits. Industrial beer drinkers drank less frequently than the other two groups but persons consuming palm wine were significantly less likely to engage in binge drinking than those consuming industrial beer or spirits. Spirit drinkers had worse psychological health and rated themselves worse on overall health status.
Conclusion
suggests that preferred choice of alcohol has not only socioeconomic correlates but drink related and health problems as well.