Alcohol use among secondary school students in Nigeria: A worrisome trend

Abstract

Background: Alcohol abuse is a global health problem, resulting in a spectrum of biopsychosocial and medical consequences. In recent times, there has been a surge in the number of adolescents who have been exposed to alcohol abuse and its attending consequences. This study aimed at identifying the reasons for alcohol abuse and assessed the knowledge of students about the harmful effects of alcohol. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study involving 384 students who were selected by convenience sampling after ethical approval and consent was granted. A pretested questionnaire was administered to get basic biodata. This questionnaire also had five-scale questions to elicit other variables of interest. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results: 66% of respondents reported to have taken alcohol before, at ceremonies or while hanging out with friends. Alcohol caused problems with the law and family problems in about half of the respondents. Assault and high-risk sexual behaviors were not uncommon (5% and 12%, respectively). Most respondents knew of the consequences of alcohol abuse but gave reasons for taking alcohol; social media (96.2%), fun (94.8%), coping with stress of school (73.9%), and adolescence (93.8%) were common among other reasons. Conclusion: Alcohol problems are common in our secondary schools, stakeholders should be aware of this. We recommend expert support for students, especially in secondary schools, so that we can save the next generation from self-destructing.