Exploring the Relationship between Advertisement of Alcohol on Consumption and the Perceived Health Implications among Youth in the Ashaiman Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a key obstacle to sustainable human development. It is noted worldwide that alcohol consumption and use contribute to 3.3 million deaths every year. The United Nations classified individuals between the ages of 15 to 25 years as youths. The use of alcohol at this critical stage of life can lead to serious health outcomes, such as causing harm to vital body organs like the liver. Negative social and behavioral consequences such as unsafe sexual behavior are also consequences associated with alcohol use, and this has become a major public health issue globally. Various advertisements both in print and electronic media are contributing factors that encourage alcohol use among the youth. This study, therefore, aimed at determining the prevalence of alcohol use and also to identify the influence of exposure to advertisements of alcoholic beverages on consumption, perceptions, and knowledge on its health implications.