Proximity and Density of Alcohol Outlets as a Risk Factor of Alcohol Abuse Amongst the Youth: A Case Study of a Border Town in Northern Region of Namibia

Abstract

The proximity and density of alcohol outlets are positively associated with drinking patterns and increase in alcohol consumption resulting in deviant behaviors such as excessive drinking, risky sexual behaviors, violent and crime in communities. This study was aimed at identifying and assessing the proximity, density of alcohol outlets as a risk factor to potential behavioral influence amongst the youth in a border town in the northern region of Namibia. The study was qualitative in nature and used ethnographic design in order to describe the proximity and density of alcohol outlets. Data was collected through unobtrusive observation method and analyzed by means of content analysis. The researchers used field notes to capture data observed. Eco-systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for this study. The study found out that there were quite a number of shebeens in close proximity of educational establishments, churches, public roads and residential areas which contribute to easy accessibility of alcohol by youth in and out of school. Various themes emerged from the study such as closeness of alcohol outlets to schools and churches and residential areas, mushrooming of shebeens, children and youth spending time at shebeens and Drunkenness. The study concluded that the closeness of alcohol establishments to residential areas, churches and schools influence drinking behaviors of people residing in these areas. Equally important, the more alcohol outlets in the environment, the higher the alcohol consumption which results in deviant behaviors and excessive drinking.