Epidemiology of Use of a Traditional Spirit “Sodabi” in the General Population of Togo

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the profile of sodabi consumption in the Togolese population. This transverse descriptive study was conducted over a nine month period from June 9, 2013 to March 9, 2014, throughout the five regions of Togo. Findings demonstrated a clear profile of 2388 sodabi drinkers. 1672 (70.02%) men and 716 (29.98%) women. Prevalence was 62.45% in the population studied. Mean age was 35.3 years. Almost all subjects interrogated (98.48%) were togolese nationals. The study included the following ethnic and regional groups, the Kabyè-Tem ethnic group (43.59%) and the Paragourma-Akan groups (23.50%) were the most represented among the subjects interrogated. More than a third (25.67%) of subjects interviewed was unemployed with a higher unemployment rate in the Maritime region and Lomé Commune (37.16%). Most of the people interrogated (49.66%) were living as couples (married or cohabiting). 4.06% of subjects drank sodabi only. 51.40% of drinkers abused sodabi (40.59% men against 10.81% women). The prevalence of noxious alcohol use was high (12.35%) among unemployed participants. 25.51% of drinkers visited drinking establishments once a week and 22.10% almost every day. The euphoric effect of alcohol (45.23%) and friendly atmosphere (19.39%) of the drinking establishment were the main reasons for attendance (64.62%). Of the damage caused by the abuse of sodabi, 39.26% of subjects showed somatic or neurological complications and 60.74% psychological and psychiatric complications. Updating these data seems necessary, because combating excessive drinking is one of the main objectives of current togolese public health policy.