AN EXAMINATION OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA (CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN)

In Nigeria, drinking has a long history, especially among those who do not have religious restrictions. It is frequently consumed at rituals, weddings, burials, and funerals (Akindutire, & Adegboyega, 2012). In particular, palm wine and hot liquids are used at these times to pour libations, offer prayers, and announce such events. The most popular alcoholic beverages include palm wine, which is made from the sap of the oil palm tree, beer, burukutu, which is made from guinea corn, and local gin, which is distilled from palm wine. According to Akindutire & Adegboyega (2012), both male and female consumers (15+) in Nigeria consumed 28.3 liters of pure alcohol per person in 2014. This excludes the enormous amounts of homebrewed alcohol consumed, which are frequently not reported.

The most frequently consumed substance, according to Daramola (2004), is alcohol. psychoactive substance, and its use remains a serious public health issue. More than 60 diseases and injuries, including noncommunicable ones, are at risk due to alcohol use. Additionally, issues with behavior and mental health have been connected to problematic alcohol use. According to the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study, which looked at people aged 15 to 49, alcohol use was the seventh leading risk factor for disability and premature mortality and the top risk factor for the burden of risk-attributable diseases, according to Awoyinfa (2012). (Essien, 2010). The estimated global toll from hazardous alcohol use was 2.8 million fatalities (320 deaths per hour). Alcohol consumption increases females’ Disability-adjusted Life Years by between 1.6 and 6.0 percent.

and, respectively, men (Fatoye, 1998).

Alcohol abuse among college students is a significant public health concern in many high-, medium-, and low-income countries worldwide. According to the 2014 Regional Report on Alcohol from the World Health Organization, 69.5%, 52.7%, 37.3%, and 29.3% of teenagers in Europe, America, the Western Pacific Region, and Africa, respectively, were currently drinking alcohol at the age of 15 to 19. (Wechsler, 1995).

Low to moderate alcohol consumption may not be harmful to the consumer, but excessive and unrestrained drinking, especially among young people, puts drinkers at risk for a number of health issues. One of the top five risk factors for disease, disability, and mortality worldwide is alcohol abuse, which is a significant risk factor.

for diseases that are not contagious. For instance, it has been shown that alcohol significantly lowers sperm and testosterone levels. Palm wine is teratogenic, according to research done on pregnant rats.

SITUATION OF THE PROBLEM

Every nation depends on its university population, and their welfare and health are essential to the advancement of the country. Alcohol use poses a serious threat to students’ academic success and future prospects, especially when it is excessive and out of control. It is crucial to look into the extent of these problems among students at universities and other post secondary institutions because this may be avoided or at least mitigated. As was previously mentioned, numerous studies on alcohol use among student populations have been conducted in Nigeria and elsewhere, but it appears that little is being done to put the findings into practice. Continuous

and excessive use among children has been linked to poor academic performance and school dropout (Ukwayi et al., 2013; Wechsler, 1995). Alcohol is the main cause of illness and death among college students in Sub-Saharan Africa (Hingson et al., 2005). Many studies have revealed extremely high rates of alcohol abuse and use among Nigerian secondary and postsecondary school students (Yakasai, 2010). Numerous studies have found that alcohol use begins in early adolescence or infancy, and that various factors can affect this excessive alcohol consumption. This study aims to investigate these elements.

1.3 STUDY’S OBJECTIVES

Examining the variables influencing alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates is the main goal of this topic. The following are additional study goals:

i. The factor of influence

alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates is influenced by mental health

ii. The impact of medication on alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates

iii. The impact of stress on alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates

iv. The impact of peer pressure on alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates

v. The impact of trauma on alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

i. Does mental health have an impact on alcohol abuse in Nigeria?

ii. Does the health of prescription drugs affect alcohol abuse in Nigeria?

iii. Does stress health have an impact on alcohol abuse in Nigeria?

iv. Does peer pressure play a role in alcohol abuse in Nigeria?

v. Is alcohol abuse in Nigeria influenced by trauma?

1.5 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER STUDIES

This research will

The results of this study will be helpful to university administrators and educators because they will highlight the various factors that influence undergrad alcohol abuse and suggest solutions. Undergraduates will also benefit from it because they will be able to identify the factors that contribute to alcohol abuse and make an effort to avoid it.

Finally, scholars will gain a lot from this study because it will be used as a resource for future research and studies.

1.6 THE STUDY’S SCOPE

The examination of the variables influencing alcohol abuse among Nigerian undergraduates will be the main focus of this study. Participants in this study will be University of Benin undergraduate students.

Limitations to the study: 1.7

This investigation will only focus on the test.

among the elements affecting alcohol abuse among university students in Nigeria. Participants for this study will be University of Benin undergraduates, and this will serve as a limitation because the results of this study cannot be applied elsewhere until additional research is conducted.

During the course of this research, financial restrictions were also taken into account.

1.8 TERM DEFINITION

A circumstance, fact, or influence that influences a result is referred to as a factor.

Alcohol is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid that is produced naturally when sugars are fermented. It is the intoxicating component of wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is also used as a fuel and an industrial solvent.

 

Leave a Comment