Within EpiMaCT, Thibaut Gellé explored Alcohol Use Disorder in Africa and France.
Thibaut Gellé, chercheur·e au sein de EpiMaCT (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Ω-LIM-Biologie-Chimie-Santé (Limoges ; 2022-).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Thibaut Gellé, conducted at the Institute for Research and Development, addresses a often neglected subject: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Benin and Togo. This subject, although crucial, is often overshadowed by other public health issues, making the search for solutions even more complex. Indeed, epidemiological data on this disorder is scarce, which limits the implementation of appropriate public health policies. This lack of data hinders a deep understanding of the social and cultural dynamics surrounding alcohol consumption in these countries. Gellé proposes a transcultural bio-psycho-social approach, integrating cultural, social, and biological factors to better understand this phenomenon. This approach is particularly relevant in a context where alcohol-related behaviors are often influenced by deeply rooted social norms.
The results of this research are significant and provide new insights into an often underestimated issue. For the first time, prevalence data on AUD has been collected in Benin and Togo, revealing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics specific to these populations. For example, it has been observed that young adults, particularly those from urban backgrounds, are more likely to develop alcohol-related disorders. These results underscore the importance of an integrated approach to addressing AUD, taking into account cultural representations and the stigma surrounding it. Indeed, in many African cultures, alcohol consumption is often associated with rites of passage or celebrations, complicating the perception of AUD as a genuine health problem.
The recommendations of the thesis go beyond mere data collection. They include a strong advocacy to policymakers to strengthen prevention and awareness actions regarding AUD. This could translate into targeted awareness campaigns, training for health professionals, and the development of interventions based on the collected data. For example, awareness workshops could be organized in schools and universities to inform young people about the dangers of excessive alcohol use. Furthermore, training health professionals is essential so they can effectively identify and treat cases of AUD, using approaches tailored to local cultural specifics.
It is crucial to ask how these recommendations can be effectively implemented. Policymakers must be made aware of the importance of this data to develop public health policies that respond to local realities. This requires strong political will and a long-term commitment to integrate these issues into public health agendas. Moreover, collaboration among various health actors, including NGOs, government institutions, and researchers, is essential to ensure that interventions are appropriate and effective. For example, partnerships between universities and local NGOs could facilitate the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs.
In summary, Gellé's thesis is not limited to a simple academic analysis. It paves the way for concrete actions that could transform the way AUD is perceived and addressed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The stakes are clear: it is about saving lives, reducing morbidity, and improving the quality of life for affected populations. By integrating a bio-psycho-social approach, this research highlights the importance of considering the multiple facets of AUD, ranging from individual factors to social dynamics. Thus, it calls for a collective mobilization to face this public health challenge, relying on solid data and interventions tailored to local contexts.
Données clés
- 16 études : nombre d'études précédemment menées sur le TUA en Afrique subsaharienne, soulignant le manque de données disponibles.
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Sources et accès
Thibaut Gellé. Caractérisation du Trouble de l'Usage de l'Alcool : Une approche transculturelle bio-psycho-sociale en France, au Bénin et au Togo. Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Limoges, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023LIMO0106⟩. ⟨tel-04401478⟩