Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages Mixed With Aphrodisiacs In The Okaikoi Sub-Metropolis

ABSTRACT The society in which we live in defines masculinity in terms of fertility and sexual capability, thus maintaining sexual potency has always been a major concern for both men and women especially young men. Alcoholic beverages mixed with aphrodisiacs are usually advertised in a seductive manner such that consumers believe they would have value for their money and therefore will indulge in excessive consumption which may consequently result in many untoward outcomes including chronic diseases and death. The study explored the level of consumption of alcoholic beverages mixed with aphrodisiacs, the perception of its use and the benefits derived from consumption. This was a descriptive study which employed both qualitative and quantitative methods in collecting data. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide used to collect the qualitative data. The qualitative data was built into themes, categorised and discussed. SPSS version 16 was used to analyse the quantitative data. Findings from the study indicated that the level of consumption of alcoholic beverages mixed with aphrodisiac was 63.9% and that the reasons for consumption were mostly for pleasure, increased appetite and sexual enhancement. The perceived benefits participants derived were increased sexual functioning and increased appetite. The study found out that a mixture of the local gin and herbs or with other brands of alcohol gives it aphrodisiac properties. The real content is usually unknown to consumers and since excessive consumption of alcohol leads to many untoward results, one of the study‟s main recommendations was that education on the health implications of the use of alcohol mixed with aphrodisiacs should be provided through the mass media.