Prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for the initiation of alcohol use among female college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study from urban Bengaluru, India

Abstract

BackgroundFemale alcohol users are increasing in recent days. Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic would have worsened the situation. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and reasons for the initiation of alcohol use among college students during the pandemic. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analytical study and qualitative in-depth interviews among female college students from medical, engineering and arts & science streams. WHO-AUDIT questionnaire was used to identify alcohol use and patterns. ResultsA total of 1111 students participated. The prevalence of alcohol use was 28.3% (95% CI 25.6–31.0). Of them, harmful use and alcohol dependency were 3.5% (95% CI 2.5–4.8) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.7–3.6), respectively. Age (APR = 4.95, p=<0.001), family history of alcohol (APR = 1.60, p=<0.001), friends consuming alcohol (APR = 1.53, p=<0.001) and tobacco use (APR = 1.70, p=<0.001) were associated with alcohol use. Mothers’ education (APR = 3.06, p = 0.043), family history of alcohol (APR = 2.53, p = 0.008) and type of college (APR = 2.65, p = 0.010) were associated with harmful use/dependency. Social influence, college and family environment were the main reason for the initiation of alcohol use. ConclusionHigh prevalence of alcohol use among female college students emphasizes the need for alcohol use prevention interventions in colleges.