Alcohol use in adolescences : their awareness, knowledge, and consumption

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess alcohol use among 1st year University Health Care students between the ages of 18 and 20. This study has evaluated the amount of alcohol these adolescents' consume and moreover, their knowledge about the effects of alcohol. Few local research was found considering this topic and thus, literature review relied on both local and studies from other countries. A survey was carried out with 44 university students studying for a degree in general nursing. Quantitative data was collected by means of a structured self administered 30 item questionnaire, constructed and piloted specifically for the research with a response rate of 88%. In order to maintain sample anonymity, the questionnaires were distributed and returned by a link person thus reducing selection bias and increasing anonymity. Results signify that 42 participants commenced drinking under the legal drinking age. Alcohol consumption is predominant amongst these adolescents, while the prevalence rates for males and females are very similar with spirit being their favourite choice. Most respondents (n=37) reported they consume alcohol during the evening and weekends. Various reasons for drinking were given and the most popular selections were to feel relaxed (n=23) and because I like it (n=22). The study's results indicate that some participants initiated alcohol from an early age of seven. Awareness on alcohol's health effects seem to be lacking among few of the adolescents and recommendations were made based on the conclusions of the study. The EU Alcohol Strategy strives to increase awareness on the impact of hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption (European Commission 2006), in fact in this study the majority respondents despite their knowing of the health hazards still continued to drink it in large quantities. This study has indicated the need for education programs and that more in depth studies are needed to explore why this occurs.