TOPIC
sorrows” after a major life stress. High alcohol consumption in Uganda is linked to the
aggressive marketing by manufacturers through mass media advertisements, sponsorship of
sports activities, performing arts and music, free alcohol promotions at discount prices and
total disregard of the law on availability of alcohol, time and selling points. Uganda still has
neither national alcohol policy nor an effective regulatory body. Attempts by the ministry of
health to regulate the consumption of alcohol have been opposed by the ministry of trade
which has blocked a propose ban on the manufacture and consumption of alcohol.
Adolescents and the youth are highly engaged in this practice, as they are the ones who
frequent night clubs, bars and even throw house parties. Alcohol is affordable, and available.
This study focuses on the reasons for consumption of alcohol among students of KIU-WC. It
also examines the effects these students have had with taking alcohol, as well as their
awareness of the effects of alcohol. The campus, located in Western Uganda (Ishaka,
Bushenyi) has a standing population of about three thousand two hundred and seventy one
students. A sample size of three hundred and forty six students was estimated using a
Morgan’s table, but because the study was carried out while most students were on a
semester break, a sample size of two hundred sixty students was used in this study. A
questionnaire was used for data collection. Data has been presented in form of charts and
tables. It showed that 52% of the respondents consume alcohol, and those who motioned
they don’t basically attributed it to their religious affiliation. Most of the respondents (45%)
were between ages; 23-27 years. The study also shows that for those who consume alcohol,
many don’t solely consume one brand of alcohol. The major reason given for consumption
of alcohol was because “everyone does it.” This could be people taking alcohol so as the fit
in the crowd. The next reason given was to relieve stress. Most of the respondents answered
to having been absent from school because of alcohol. This could have been because they
were nursing a hangover, catching up on sleep because they were out till late at night, or
because they were busy drinking in their rooms or organizing a drink-party.
The greatest percentage (78.46%) of respondents was found to be aware of the effects(s)
alcohol has on health, while the remaining11.92% was unaware. 9.62% gave no response.
Among the health effects known to the respondents, liver disease; a long term effect of
alcohol consumption was listed by majority of the respondents (149). The least mentioned
effect was acute intoxication; a short term effect of alcohol consumption. In conclusion, this
study demonstrates that majority of students in KIU-WC campus do consume alcohol for a
number of reasons. Most of them are also well aware of the effects of alcohol, but still chose
to drink. There is, therefore need to keep up with education of the public about excessive
alcohol use. There is still need for the country to implement an alcohol law, governing the
sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Keywords: Alcohol, Manufacturer, Consumption, Students, Health.
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PUBLISHED
2023-02-2
HOW TO CITE
Kaliza Esther (2023).Evaluation of Reasons for Excessive Alcohol use and the effects on Students
of Kampala International University Western Campus. INOSR Applied Sciences 11(1):1-13.