Factors Influencing Alcohol Use among Secondary School Adolescents in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Introduction: Alcohol consumption among adolescents remains a significant public health concern globally and in Nigeria. Early alcohol exposure is associated with increased risks of dependency, risky behaviors, and adverse health outcomes. Understanding the contextual factors influencing alcohol use among secondary school students is critical for developing targeted prevention strategies. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 students selected from 14 secondary schools using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.81. The Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were computed, and Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to examine associations between school type and reported influencing factors at a significance level of p < 0.05. Result: Respondents were predominantly female (50.5%) and aged 13–14 years (36.0%), with 91.7% attending private schools. Curiosity (31.9%) was the most frequently reported factor influencing alcohol use, followed by availability of alcohol (21.5%) and peer influence (14.0%). Affordability (5.2%), cultural influence (5.7%), and media influence (2.6%) were less frequently reported. A statistically significant association was found between school type and reported influencing factors (χ² (6) = 14.909, p = 0.021). Conclusion: Individual curiosity and environmental accessibility appear to be key drivers of alcohol use among secondary school adolescents in Makurdi LGA. School-based health education programs, strengthened regulation of alcohol sales to minors, and community-level engagement strategies are recommended to mitigate underage drinking.