Patterns of Alcohol Use among Students in Private Faith-based and Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Alcohol use and associated risky behaviours is a leading cause of injury and death among university students and young adults in many parts of the world. Despite growing problems of global alcohol abuse among university students, accurate information on the patterns of alcohol use among university students in Kenya remain sparse. The objective of this study was to establish alcohol use patterns among students in both private faith-based and public universities in Kenya. The study was carried out in 2 private faith based universities and 2 public universities. A total of 374 students responded to a structured self-administered questionnaire (a response rate of 98%). Alcohol use patterns were measured by AUDIT and CAGE questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.  Alcohol use in the last month prior to the study was reported by 30.5% of the respondents. Alcohol use was more prevalent among the fourth years and those living off campus but not with their parents.  Low risk alcohol use pattern was reported by 83.4% of the respondents. About 11.0% reported hazardous drinking pattern while only 1.6% and 4.0% were at harmful and alcohol dependence levels. Only 8.4% displayed problem drinking pattern. A significant relationship was found between patterns of alcohol use on AUDIT scale and type of university, however, problem drinking did not differ by university. It was recommended that university management and all the stake holders implement screening for alcohol use among students because there are students who engage in harmful and hazardous use and may not voluntarily seek help. Harmful and hazardous alcohol use patterns among students are a detriment to their health and negatively impact those around them.