Keywords
undergraduate health
alcohol use
How to Cite
Abstract
Background. Alcohol use among undergraduate students in academic institutions is a growing concern in South Africa (SA).
Objective. To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding alcohol use among undergraduate students at a SA university.
Methods. We conducted this cross-sectional study from August 2022 to April 2023. Undergraduate students ≥18 years were invited to complete a self-administered, anonymised, online questionnaire incorporating screening questions from the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Tool (AUDIT). Univariable and bivariable analyses were then performed.
Results. Ultimately, we included 378 participants (65% female, median age 22 interquartile range 21 - 23 years). Overall, 78.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 73.4 - 83.5) of participants had consumed alcohol previously, and among them, 14.4% (95% CI 10.6 - 19.3) consumed alcohol up to three times a week. Male students were more likely to engage in binge drinking than female students (18.2% v. 8.5%, p<0.001). Most students (68%) lacked awareness regarding the safe limit for alcohol consumption and underestimated the standard units of alcohol in a 330 mL can of beer (71.3%) or glass of wine (83.8%). Relationship stress and increased workload were the most cited triggers for consuming alcohol. Among those who underwent AUDIT screening, 11.7% (95% CI 8.3 - 16.2) had positive results for harmful or hazardous drinking, while 8.6% (95% CI 5.7 - 12.7) indicated likely alcohol dependence.
Conclusions. Our findings highlight a concerning alcohol burden among young people in academic institutions, particularly male students. A systemic evaluation of university drinking culture is recommended to support student wellness.
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