ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG UNIVERSITY OF GHANA STUDENTS ON LEGON CAMPUS

ABSTRACT

Background: Alcohol consumption is a major problem worldwide accounting for more than 3 million deaths each year from injuries and accidents, most of which are preventable. The prevalence of alcohol consumption in Ghana is estimated to be 26.8%.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the proportion of University of Ghana students who consume alcohol and assess the factors and levels of alcohol consumption among University of Ghana students.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The dependent variable was alcohol consumption and independent variables were demographic, cultural and social factors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with STATA version 13.

Results: A total of 403 students from level 100 to 400 comprising 202 males and 201 females were interviewed. The proportion of students who currently consumed alcohol was 25.81%. More males (33.67%) consumed alcohol compared to females (17.91%), and the average age at first consumption of alcohol was 18.67 years. The study further showed that students who smoked were more likely to consume alcohol.

Conclusions: Students whose parents consume alcohol or those who smoke are more likely to consume alcohol than those who do not. Also, males consume more alcohol than females.