Determinants of Alcohol Use by Students in Medical Training Colleges in South Nyanza Region, Kenya

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a global public health problem accounting for about 6% of mortality and 5% of disability adjusted life year’s (DALYs) lost worldwide. An estimated 10-15% of students in medical training institutions risk alcohol abuse in their lifetime. In Kenya, alcohol abuse is common among college youth though data on alcohol abuse by students in MTCs are still unclear. South Nyanza, the study area is within Nyanza Region in Kenya with high alcohol consumption with prevalence rate of 26.8% among general college students. The study sought to establish what determined alcohol use by students in MTCs in South Nyanza Region. Cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Five colleges in the region namely: Kendu Mission School and KMTCs (Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay) were included in the study. A sample of 303 MTC students was recruited for the study. The study established that 113 (37.3%) of the respondents indulged in alcohol use because it was readily available within their colleges. Proximity of alcohol selling premises to their colleges was also a reason for alcohol use as reported by 135 (44.6%) of the respondents. Majority of the respondents 100 (33.0%) were introduced to alcohol use by friends. Curiosity was the main reason that made 73 (24.1%) of the respondents to use alcohol for the first time. Mentorship from their tutors and peer education can help reduce alcohol use among the college students.