Alcohol use disorders among Nigerian University students: Prevalence and Sociodemographic correlates

Abstract

environments and encounter new social and institutional factors that may foster heavy
alcohol use. Little is known about alcohol use disorders in non-western cultures.
Aims This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and examine the socio-demographic
correlates of alcohol use disorders among students in Nigerian colleges.
Method A cross sectional survey in which 2,658 undergraduates (males=1913,
females=745) from 6 colleges in Osun state, south-western Nigeria were assessed for
alcohol use disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).
Results The 12-month prevalence for alcohol dependence is 0.8% (1.1% for male and
0.13% for female) and for alcohol abuse is 3.5% (4.4% for male and 1.1% for female).
Factors independently associated with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder include parental
drinking (OR 12.00, 95% CI 6.32-22.78), male gender (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.62-11.14), higher
economic status (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.59-4.18) and being non-religious (OR 9.92, 95% CI
4.43-22.23).
Conclusions Alcohol use disorders are common among Nigerian college students. Effective
methods of early identification and forms of anti-alcoholic education are needed. Parental
drinking habits and religiosity will have to be considered while planning intervention and
preventive strategies.

Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 5-9