A Pilot Study on the Proportion Binge Drinking Among Female Social Drinkers of Kalingalinga in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties and whose harmful use causes a large burden disease, social and economic burden in societies. Binge drinking is one of the commonest forms of alcohol misuse and has been on an increase among many young women who find alcohol a source of pleasure and enjoyment when they have time out with friends and peers. Since binge drinking involves consumption of alcohol on an irregular basis, it may not be viewed as a hazardous form of alcohol use by many drinkers. The present study aimed at estimating the proportion of female binge drinkers in a population of female social drinkers in Kalingalinga township of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. We hypothesized that the proportion of binge drinking in a population of female social drinkers is significantly high.