Abstract
Introduction: Compared to other deadly communicable diseases, Psychoactive Substance use is among the leading cause of death. Repeated use linked to addiction, dependence and predisposition for criminal and antisocial behaviours. Even though drug use in Africa relatively is short; however the abuse of the drug in Africa is escalating rapidly. Substances use is also one of the most burning and growing public health problems in Ethiopia, as in many developing countries; alcohol is the most frequently used substance. Objective: This study aimed to assess the Prevalence of Alcohol use and associated factors among Dilla University undergraduate students in Southern Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dilla University among undergraduate regular students from January-February. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total of 803 samples of students from each year and the department of the university. The collected data were coded, entered into EPI-INFO version7.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Crude and adjusted OR were analyzed using logistic regression and the level of significance of association was determined at P-value <0.05. Result: A total of 803 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 91.7%. Among the Participants, alcohol use was found to be (41.8%; n=336). Being 4th-year students (AOR =2.66, 95% CI: 1.64, 4.31), having friends who use the substance (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.1), being Khat user (AOR= 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.09) and being Cigarette smoker (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.84) were found to be significantly associated with alcohol use. Conclusion: In the current study, half of the participants found to have alcohol use. Therefore, early prevention, detection and alleviating of alcohol use should be implemented among students in the university. Funding Statement: Not applicable. Declaration of Interests: The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Dilla University. Written consent was obtained from each participant during data collection.
Highlights
Alcohol is one of the most prevalent forms of substance use that is high among young age groups
Study Design, Period, and Study Area. e institutionalbased cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2018 among Dilla University students in the Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, which is found on the main road from Addis Ababa to Kenya 360 km south of Addis Ababa and 90 km south of Hawassa. e Gedeo Zone has a longitude and latitude of 6°24′30′′N 38°18′30′′E with an elevation of 1570 meters above sea level [26, 27]
Participants who have a habit of alcohol use were 41.8% (n 336) and with current use in the last 30 days were 24.4% (n 196). e most common reasons for alcohol use were for pleasure and to socialize (18.7% (n 150) and 10.7% (n 86), respectively)
Summary
Alcohol is one of the most prevalent forms of substance use that is high among young age groups. Despite the adverse health and social challenges associated with alcohol use, it is one of the most common risky behaviours among university students. Is study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors among Dilla University students in Southern Ethiopia. Being in fourth year (AOR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.64, 4.31), having friends who use the substance (AOR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.1), being a khat user (AOR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.09), and being a cigarette smoker (AOR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.84) were found to be significantly associated with alcohol use. Substance use in Africa is increasing rapidly, especially for tobacco, alcohol, and khat [9]. Alcohol is one psychoactive substance that has been widely used in many cultures for centuries [10, 11]. Alcohol use causes large disease and social and economic burden in many societies [13]
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