Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders and Self-Esteem Levels among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kampala International University’s Western Campus, Uganda                                                                            

¹David Nitunga, ¹Kensale Kalume Augustin, ¹Roger Ilunga Muland, ¹Gaylord Inena wa Inena, ¹Emmanuel Niyokwizera, ¹Mutume Nzanzu, ¹Ishimwe Florent, ¹Marie Ingrid Raïssa Niyubahwe, ¹Ildephonse Dushimirimana, ¹Ben Forry, ²Ugwu Okechukwu P. C. and ¹Abamara N. C.

¹Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Uganda.

²Department of Publication and Extension Kampala International University Uganda.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study conducted at Kampala International University’s Western Campus (KIU-WC) in Western Uganda aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and assess self-esteem levels among undergraduate students. Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, data were collected from 366 participants to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and self-esteem within the academic environment. Results revealed that 33.1% of participants acknowledged alcohol use, with 18.6% identified as being at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder. Among alcohol users, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT score ≥20) was 33.9%, leading to an overall prevalence of 11% across the entire undergraduate student population. Self-esteem scores ranged from 11 to 30, with a median of 18. Findings indicated that 7.9% of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, while 91% demonstrated normal self-esteem, and 1.1% showcased high self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address alcohol use disorders and promote positive self-esteem among university students in Uganda.

Keywords: Prevalence, Alcohol, Disorders, Self-esteem, Undergraduate Students, Uganda.

CITE AS: David Nitunga, Kensale Kalume Augustin, Roger Ilunga Muland, Gaylord Inena wa Inena, Emmanuel Niyokwizera, Mutume Nzanzu, Ishimwe Florent, Marie Ingrid Raïssa Niyubahwe, Ildephonse Dushimirimana, Ben Forry, Ugwu Okechukwu P. C. and Abamara N. C. (2024). Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders and Self-Esteem Levels among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kampala International University’s Western Campus, Uganda. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY 5(1) : 29-38. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2024/51293818