Factors influencing the uptake of alcohol among youths in Oyam district, Uganda.

Abstract

The study was carried out basing on the topic “Factors influencing the uptake of alcohol among youths in Oyam District, Uganda”. It aimed at assessing the socio-demographic factors that influence the uptake of alcohol among the youths, assessing the peer factors that influence alcohol uptake among the youths and assessing the socio-economic effects of alcohol consumption among the youths aged 15-35 years. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs where both questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the field. All data was grouped and analyzed in a statistical way where by data was presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages. The following results were obtaining basing on the study finding; Socio-demographic factors influencing the uptake of alcohol among the youth included; education of an individual supported by (50%), religion of individual supported by (31.7%), and income levels of an individual (51.7%), age on an individual (56.7%) among others. Peers factors that influence alcohol uptake among the youth included; the degree of adolescent involvement in peer activities supported by (50%), number of friends using alcohol and their attitude towards its use (60%), desire for acceptance and social interaction (23.3%), among others and Socio-economic effects of alcohol consumption included; exposes youth to infectious diseases supported by (70%), increases the risks of death among the youth (52%), expose youth to psychological disorders (30%) among others. The researcher however recommends that there should be improvement in academic and social-emotional learning of youths, sensitization of the youth by the government on the public dangers of excessive alcohol uptake, strengthening the laws and regulation concerning alcohol users, parental monitoring and supervision of their children among others to reduce on the negative effects of alcohol consumption among the youths not only in Oyam but Uganda in general.