Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and Factors Influencing Alcohol Abuse Among In-School Adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria: Implications for Prevention Interventions
Osarenren, N., Nwadinigwe, I. P., & Ilugbuhi, M. M
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Lagos. Nigeria
Abstract
Alcohol is the most common drug of abuse in adolescence, much more than tobacco and other illicit drugs. This study was carried out to examine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and factors influencing alcohol use among in-school adolescents in Lagos metropolis. The study employed a descriptive survey. Four research objectives, four research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A total of 450 in-school adolescents constituted the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect relevant data for the study. Data generated and analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistical methods showed the prevalence of alcohol consumption among in-school adolescents. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and t-test whereas used to analyze the hypotheses. Findings revealed that alcohol consumption was prevalent. The PPMC analysis revealed a very significant positive correlation between peer pressure and alcohol consumption among in-school adolescents (r=0.816, p=0.001). A significant positive correlation also exists between cheap alcohol and consumption among in-school adolescents (r=0.653, p=0.021), However, a significant gender difference does not exist among in-school adolescents. It was recommended that schools’ curricula should include prevention education based on pro social skills in self-control, decision-making, goal setting, strengthening motivations not to use substances, resisting pro-drug influences, analyzing tobacco and alcohol advertisements. Teachers should be trained on classroom management and improvement programmes that will foster positive and non-threatening climates for school bonding, class attendance, participation and academic progress thereby reducing the consumption of alcohol, other substances and risky behaviours.
Keywords
Prevalence, Adolescents, Alcohol consumption, Prevention, Interventions
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