Perceptions of alcohol consumption among transmigrant West Africans

Background: It is a common belief that alcohol consumption can lead to chronic ailments. While research shows that the prevalence of alcohol consumption among migrants is associated with acculturation, there is a gap in the research with respect to examining alcohol consumption patterns within subgroups of migrants such as transmigrants. The purpose of this study was to elucidate perceptions of alcohol consumption amongst transmigrant West Africans. To our knowledge, there is a paucity of studies exploring this avenue in the arena of migrant health.

Method: We conducted a focus group in Chicago with 14 transmigrant West Africans (7 men and 7 women) from Ghana and Nigeria. The following inclusion criteria determined participation in the focus group: men and women aged 25 years old or higher, who had lived in the US for at least 2 years, who had ties with friends or relatives back home, and who communicated regularly through different means with those friends or relatives. We used the PEN-3 model as a theoretical framework for categorizing the recurrent themes.

Result: Using one dimension of the PEN-3 model (i.e. Relationships and Expectations), participants argued that alcohol consumption has some medicinal value. We also found a gender bias associated with alcohol consumption. Participants commented on alcohol consumption as a way of socializing, though they agreed that social settings (e.g. parties) allowed access to liquor without limitations. They asserted also that the influence of spiritual beliefs and religion discourage alcohol consumption, while the media portrayals of alcohol encourages alcohol consumption.