Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders and Self Esteem Levels among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kampala International University's Western Campus, Uganda

Abstract

This cross-sectional study conducted at Kampala International University's Western Campus (KIU-WC) in Western Uganda aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and assess self-esteem levels among undergraduate students. Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, data were collected from 366 participants to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and self-esteem within the academic environment. Results revealed that 33.1% of participants acknowledged alcohol use, with 18.6% identified as being at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder. Among alcohol users, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT score ≥20) was 33.9%, leading to an overall prevalence of 11% across the entire undergraduate student population. Self-esteem scores ranged from 11 to 30, with a median of 18. Findings indicated that 7.9% of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, while 91% demonstrated normal self-esteem, and 1.1% showcased high self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address alcohol use disorders and promote positive self-esteem among university students in Uganda. Keywords: Prevalence, Alcohol, Disorders, Self-esteem, Undergraduate Students, Uganda.