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The role of alcohol in homicide: a 3 year review
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  1. O S Mokuolu*
  1. Correspondence Department for Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Lagos Road, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background The use of alcohol may produce adverse effects on brain tissues that affect judgement. Such alteration in judgement has therefore made alcohol to serve as an enhancer of homicide, which is now recognised as a cause of premature mortality in Africa. Alcohol increases the likelihood of risk-taking and provocative behaviour by some potential victims; this might in turn lead to violent interactions and homicides. Thus alcohol often plays some role, more commonly in the culprits but occasionally also in the victims. Homicides usually take place between 18:00 and 6:00. Weapons commonly employed in homicide include sharp objects or use of clubs. It may also be the result of fierce fight.

Objectives To characterise the relationship between alcohol use and homicide victimisation with a view to determine the magnitude of contribution of alcohol use to homicide activities in Nigeria and make recommendations as appropriate for its control.

Method Library search, Internet search, Police and Hospital records.

Result Most of all alcohol induced homicide involves people that are known to each other. People within the age group 20–40 are most susceptible due to great interpersonal interaction that may end up in misunderstandings and frustrations and therefore predisposing to causation of felonies, including homicide.

Conclusion Heightened co-ordination in responses to prevention of alcoholism and homicides can be enhanced by a collective approach. Nobody is left out in this approach, because homicide due to alcoholism is a preventable one. Therefore, if enhanced expertise, network of agencies and individuals collaborate well with one another, violence and injuries can be reduced.

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