ABSTRACT
Alcoholism, with its negative outcomes has been identified as a disturbing trend that is fast becoming a norm within young adults. Its abuse and negative outcomes are well noted among undergraduates, which makes it a serious social and economic problem. This study therefore sought to investigate the patterns of alcohol use among undergraduates in public universities in Edo State. Five research questions and four hypotheses were raised to guide the study. A cross sectional research design was employed in carrying out the study. The population comprised of 11,362 undergraduates of Faculties of Education, Ambrose Alli, University, Ekpoma and University of Benin, Benin City. A sample of four hundred and fifty-five (455) respondents were randomly selected as representative of the population. A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA.
Results indicated that liquor (spirits) was the most commonly consumed alcoholic drink in terms of frequency. Also, it was revealed that alcoholic wines are consumed majorly during special occasions. On the other hand, it was discovered that undergraduates who indulge in weekend binge drinking consumed majorly alcoholic beer. More so, it was reported that peer group was one of the determinants of undergraduates’ indulgence in alcohol. Furthermore, it was observed that age, gender, academic level and religious affiliation showed significant difference in relation to alcohol consumption. The study therefore recommended a need for intensive campaign aimed at disabusing the minds of undergraduates from indulging in unwholesome habits of alcoholism, school authorities/government should look into current laws/legislations with a view to reducing alcohol proliferation on campuses and parents must be alive to their responsibilities in guiding their wards and counselling them on the negative outcome of indulging in alcoholism.
