Socio-demographic and forensic characteristics of alcohol abusers in Jos, Nigeria.

The socio-demographic and forensic characteristics of fifty(50) alcohol abusers were examined in a community survey carried out in Kugiya (a predominantly Christian Berom ethnic group in Jos) who brew and take predominantly a local alcohol, Burukutu. A stratified sampling method was used to select 142 subjects who took part in the study, out of whom 50 (54%) males and 23 (46%) females of ages 16-54 years were identified as Alcohol Abusers through the use of a 4-item CAGE instrument and also the quantity taken. The questionnaire also highlighted the socio-forensic characteristics of the studied group. Alcohol abuse disrupts social, occupational, interpersonal and marital life and tends to induce criminal behaviour.