Alcoholism among young adults remains a pressing public health concern, characterized by its multifaceted nature influenced by a combination of peer influence, social environment and psychological factors. Peer influence stands as a cornerstone in the development of alcohol consumption patterns during the formative years of adolescence and into young adulthood. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 270 participants from the target population. The study population comprises young adults aged 18 to 35 years residing in Moro LGA, Kwara State. Data collection was carried out through structured interviews and survey questionnaires. Peer influence on alcohol consumption was significant as over 34% perceived peer influence on their alcohol consumption habits and reported having strong cravings to consume alcohol due to peer influence. A significant proportion of respondents continued drinking despite knowing it causes adverse health problems. All variables examined, including perceptions of alcohol use in the community, beliefs about alcoholism as a problem, current strategies against alcohol consumption, ideas for reducing alcoholism, and effective methods to curb consumption, showed no significant relationships. Each variable had a p-value of 1.00, indicating a lack of statistically significant associations. The study examined peer group dynamics, social interactions and the influence of drinking behaviors on alcohol consumption patterns and recommends targeted interventions and prevention strategies aimed at addressing perceptions, accessibility and peer influence attributed to alcohol abuse among young adults.
Alcoholism, peer influence, psychological factors, young adults.
IRE Journals:
Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi , Joseph Chibueze Orsuamaeze , Ogbonna Joshua , Makinde-Ojo Samuel , Olayiwola Deborah Oluwadara
"Perceived Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption Among Young Adults in Moro, Kwara State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 5 2024 Page 662-671
IEEE:
Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi , Joseph Chibueze Orsuamaeze , Ogbonna Joshua , Makinde-Ojo Samuel , Olayiwola Deborah Oluwadara
"Perceived Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption Among Young Adults in Moro, Kwara State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(5)