Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2024 Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY

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; 1Abamara N. C.

This cross-sectional study conducted at Kampala International University's Western Campus (KIU-WC) inWestern Uganda aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and assess self-esteem levels amongundergraduate students. Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the RosenbergSelf-esteem Scale, data were collected from 366 participants to explore the relationship between alcoholconsumption and self-esteem within the academic environment. Results revealed that 33.1% of participantsacknowledged alcohol use, with 18.6% identified as being at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder. Among alcoholusers, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT score ≥20) was 33.9%, leading to an overall prevalence of11% across the entire undergraduate student population. Self-esteem scores ranged from 11 to 30, with a medianof 18. Findings indicated that 7.9% of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, while 91% demonstrated normal selfesteem,and 1.1% showcased high self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions toaddress alcohol use disorders and promote positive self-esteem among university students in Uganda.Keywords: Prevalence, Alcohol, Disorders, Self-esteem, Undergraduate Students, Uganda