The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse Among Egerton University Students in Njoro-Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of higher institutions of learning in Kenya is to provide education and growth experiences for its students but alcohol abuse has continued to be a problem in the university campuses that is slowing down their progress and the Kenya vision 2030 that envisages a healthy population free from the impact of alcohol abuse through the reduction of the prevalence and the impact of alcohol abuse disorders in order to attain the highest possible level of physical, social and mental health. Despite the growing problems of global alcohol abuse, accurate information on the prevalence of alcohol abuse among university students in Kenya is still inadequate. The study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol abuse among the Egerton University students. This was a cross sectional study which investigated the prevalence of alcohol abuse among 355 students of Egerton university Njoro campus. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select the study group and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of alcohol abuse. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18.0. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Data presentation was done using frequency tables, charts and in narratives. The study was cleared by the Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi ethics board. The study found out that the prevalence of alcohol abuse among Egerton University students is 21.1 %. The study found significant association between the prevalence of alcohol abuse and the year of study, marital status, family's economic status and  the living arrangements (with whom). There was no significant association between the prevalence of alcohol abuse and age, programme of study undertaken and place of residence. It was concluded that alcohol abuse is prevalent among Egerton university students and is associated with year of study, marital status, family economic status and living arrangement. Based on the findings of this study, there is need to detect, strengthen various policies and programmes and accordingly make changes to address the factors that contribute to alcohol abuse in the institutions of higher learning in Kenyan. The findings of the study will help Commission of University Education (CUE) to better understand the current situation and accordingly make changes to address the factors that contribute to alcohol abuse in these institutions.

Keywords: Alcohol abuse, prevalence, alcohol, socio demographic factors