Influences Encouraging Alcohol Use among Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Students at Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Western Uganda

Alcohol consumption poses a significant public health concern, especially among university students who often experience newfound independence from direct parental oversight. This study aimed to identify the factors driving alcohol consumption among Kampala International University's Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery students. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional approach and self-administered questionnaires, data collection focused on alcohol-consuming students via snowball sampling. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software facilitated data analysis. Of the 384 participating students who consumed alcohol, nearly half (47.7%) fell within the 20-24 age range, evenly representing both genders. Notably, no substantial correlations emerged between alcohol use and age, gender, religion, or academic year. A majority of students initiated alcohol consumption at 16 years or older (41.4%). Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and upbringing, as well as university residence. Urban upbringing and off-campus residency correlated with higher alcohol consumption. Psychologically, family structure played a role, with 59.4% of participants living with both parents reporting alcohol consumption. Peer influence was prevalent, with a substantial number introduced to alcohol by friends, either at university (32%) or at home (35.2%). While 97.7% recognized alcohol as a mood-altering stimulant, only 29.1% acknowledged the link between young adult binge drinking and future alcoholism development. Merely 12.5% believed that early alcohol exposure increased the risk of dependence, yet 93.5% recognized its association with academic underperformance or dropout. Alcohol abuse among university students appears normative, shaped by family norms and peer pressure. Supervision by family and university staff, coupled with educational interventions highlighting the health risks and consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, stand as effective measures to address this societal issue. Keywords: risk factors, alcohol, students