ALCOHOL USE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OWERRI NORTH L.G.A OF IMO STATE

Project Abstract

Alcohol use among secondary school students in Owerri North Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Imo State is a growing concern due to its potential impact on the health and well-being of the students. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding alcohol use among secondary school students in the area. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 students selected through stratified random sampling from different secondary schools in Owerri North L.G.A. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge about alcohol, attitudes towards alcohol use, and alcohol consumption practices. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of the students had a good level of knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health and social life. However, a considerable number of students also had misconceptions about alcohol use, such as its perceived benefits in social situations and stress relief. Attitudes towards alcohol use were generally positive, with many students viewing it as a normal part of social interactions. Peer influence was identified as a major factor influencing students' attitudes towards alcohol. In terms of alcohol consumption practices, a concerning number of students reported having tried alcohol at least once, with a notable percentage engaging in binge drinking. The study also highlighted the role of family and media in shaping students' perceptions and practices related to alcohol use. It was observed that parental monitoring and communication about alcohol were lacking in many households, which could contribute to increased alcohol experimentation among students. Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address alcohol use among secondary school students in Owerri North L.G.A. These interventions should focus on improving knowledge about the risks associated with alcohol use, promoting responsible attitudes towards alcohol, and enhancing parental involvement in monitoring and educating their children about alcohol. School-based educational programs, community campaigns, and policy measures to restrict underage access to alcohol are recommended to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms among secondary school students in the area.

Project Overview

<p></p><p>                       <b>ABSTRACT&nbsp;</b></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The study was to determine the Alcohol Use Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Secondary School Students in Owerri North L. G. A. of Imo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, 12 objectives with corresponding research questions were posed and nine hypotheses postulated. The descriptive survey design was used for the study.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The instrument for data collection was a 58 item questionnaire. Three Lectures in Health and Physical education and two from science education validated the instrument. Split half method was used for test of reliability. The population for the study consisted of 640 secondary school students in Owerri North L. G. A. of Imo State. Six hundred and forty copies of the questionnaire were distributed and were collected back which gave one hundred per cent return rate were used for the analysis of data.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Percentages and mean scores were used to answer research questions, while t-test, ANOVA and Chi-Square statistics were used for testing of the null hypotheses. The result of the study indicated that: (1) The students’ level of knowledge of alcohol use and abuse was average while students level of knowledge of alcohol Misuse was high (see Table 1). (2) Students’ attitude towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse was positive (see Table 2). (3) Majority of the students used alcohol misused and abused alcohol (see Table 3). (4) Female students had high level of knowledge of alcohol use, while male students had average level of knowledge of alcohol use, male and female students had high level of alcohol misuse and abuse (see Table 4) (5) Slightly higher proportion of urban and rural students had high level of knowledge of alcohol misuse and abuse while urban and rural had average level of knowledge of alcohol use (see Table 5). (6) Junior secondary school students had high level of knowledge of alcohol use, than other classes while JSSIII students had low level of knowledge of alcohol use, JSSI students had high level of knowledge of alcohol misuse than other classes. JSSI students also had high level of knowledge of alcohol abuse than other classes while JSSII students had low level of knowledge of alcohol abuse (see Table 6). (7) The overall attitude of both male and female students toward alcohol use, misuse and abuse was positive although that of males was slightly higher than the females (see Table 7). (8) The overall attitude of both urban and rural students towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse was positive (see Table 8). (9) Both JSS and SS students had positive attitudinal mean scores towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse although that of JSS111 was slightly higher than that of JSSII and SSII (see Table 9). (10) Slightly higher percentage of male students than female students used alcohol, abused and misused alcohol (see Table 10). (11) More urban students used alcohol than rural students used and misused alcohol while rural students abuse alcohol more than urban students (see Table 11). (12) Both JSS and SS students used alcohol, misused and abused alcohol, although that of SS students was slightly higher than the JSS students (see Table 12). (13) There was no significant difference between male and female students’ level of knowledge of alcohol misuse and abuse while there was significant difference in the students’ knowledge of alcohol use (see Table 13). (14) There was no significant difference in the knowledge of students regarding alcohol use, misuse and abuse (see Table 14). (15) There was significant difference in the students’ level of knowledge of alcohol use, misuse and abuse (see Table 15). (16) There was no significant difference in the attitude of male and female students towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse (see Table 16). (17) There was no significant difference in the attitude of urban and rural students towards alcohol use misuse and abuse (see Table 17). (18) There was no significant difference in the attitude of JSS and SS students regarding alcohol use and alcohol misuse while there was significant difference in the attitude of students regarding alcohol abuse (see Table 18). (19) There was no significant difference in the practice of male and female students towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse (see Table 19). (20) There was no significant difference in the practice of urban and rural students towards alcohol use, misuse and abuse (see Table 20). (21) There was significant difference in the practice of JSS and SS students towards alcohol use, abuse and misuse (see Table 21). &nbsp;</p><p>Based on major findings and conclusions, the government should endeavour to make the teaching of Health education compulsory to both junior and senior secondary schools. Government should also fund the organization of seminars and workshops for all secondary school students to bridge the existing gap. This will enhance their performance in their knowledge, attitude and practice of alcohol use in Owerri North L. G. A. of Imo &nbsp;</p> <br><p></p>