TITLE:
Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Use Disorder among Adolescents in Ibanda District, South Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Novatus Nyemara, Samuel Maling, Aloysius Rukundo, Godfrey Z. Rukundo, Scholastic Ashaba, Richard Merkel, Elialilia S. Okello
KEYWORDS:
Cross-Sectional Study, Prevalence, Alcohol Consumption, Alcohol Use Disorder, Adolescents
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
9,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Alcohol use disorder ranks as the most prevalent
mental disorder globally. However, studies on alcohol use disorder among
adolescents in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Despite having
public health consequences, alcohol use disorder remains one of the most
undertreated mental disorders. This study determined the prevalence of alcohol
use and alcohol use disorder and its associated demographics in an adolescent
population from Southwestern Uganda. Understanding the prevalence of alcohol
use and alcohol use disorder among adolescents is crucial in investing in early
intervention strategies. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was
conducted between October and December 2019 among a random sample of 308
adolescents residing in Ibanda District. The area of study was selected
using-multi stage cluster sampling. Alcohol use disorder was defined to include
possible hazardous use, harmful use, and dependent use of alcohol and was
screened using the Alcohol use disorder Identification Test with a cut off
score of 7 and above. We summarised data using descriptive statistics and used
logistic regression to explore the risk factors for alcohol use disorder. Results: The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 39.9.1%
(95% CI: 29.35, 41.17) and was more among males as compared to females (p-value = 0.001). Alcohol use disorder
was associated with male gender (OR = 0.38), secondary education (OR = 6.16),
and living with others (OR = 17.78). Among those who used alcohol, 29.2% (26)
were hazardous drinkers, 56.2% (50) were harmful drinkers, and 33.7% (30) were
alcohol dependent based on AUDIT item analysis. Conclusion: Gender differences, level of education, and family
structure are issues that must be considered in adopting interventions aimed at
reducing the burden of alcohol use disorder among adolescents and preventing
further spread into adulthood.