Investigating the impact of alcohol abuse on academic performance among students of Makerere University
Abstract
The study aimed at finding out the impact of alcohol abuse on students’ attitude towards
academics and performance as well. It focused on Makerere University students from the
residents and non-residents. Simple random sampling was used in obtaining the respondents so
as to eliminate any kind of bias and a questionnaire was used for data collection. A total of 96
respondents were issued with questionnaires but only 84 were retrieved back and these were used
for further analysis.
Data obtained was analyzed using STATA and has been presented in form of charts and tables.
Basing on the findings, 71 out of 84 of the respondents consume alcohol. Most of the
respondents (43%) were aged between 20-29 years. The study also shows that for those who
consume alcohol, many consume from 1-5bottles of alcohol each time they take it. The major
causes given for alcohol consumption were “peers pressure.” And the next cause given was
“stress.” Among the health effects known to the respondents, diseases; a long-term effect of
alcohol consumption was listed by respondents and absenteeism was mentioned as a major effect
which was found to have a significant relationship with those with 4.5-5.0 CGPA which results
to lowering of grades as a result of missing lectures. This also applied to those with 2.0-2.5
CGPA. Quantity of alcohol and its effects after consumption were found to have an insignificant
relationship with those having 3.5- 4.4CGPA and an increase in quantity of alcohol consumed by
the student results to lowering in grades
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that majority of students in Makerere University campus
do consume alcohol for a number of reasons and this negatively affects their academic
performance. There is, therefore need to keep up with education of the public about excessive
alcohol use. There is still need for the country to implement an alcohol law, governing the sale
and consumption of alcoholic beverages.