KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS ON THE INFLUENCE OF EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF ALCOHOL AMONG BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN BENIN, EDO STATE

Excessive alcohol intake among university students is a pressing public health concern, with potential implications for both health and academic performance. This study explores the knowledge and associated factors influencing excessive alcohol consumption among undergraduate students in Basic Medical Sciences at a tertiary institution in Benin, Edo State. Key areas of interest include socio-demographic factors, knowledge of alcohol’s effects, behavioral influences, and perceived impact on academic outcomes. A descriptive cross- sectional survey design was employed, utilizing a stratified sampling technique to select a representative sample of 290 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and inferential statistics to identify factors associated with alcohol intake behaviors. The study found that 80.3% of students demonstrated good knowledge of the health effects of excessive alcohol intake, while 19.7% displayed poor knowledge. Major factors associated with excessive intake included peer pressure (mean score 3.1), ease of accessibility on campus (mean score 3.1), and stress (mean score 3.2). A majority (67.2%) reported family alcohol use, suggesting a potential influence on personal consumption behaviors. Perceptions of alcohol's impact on academic performance were mixed, with 51.4% viewing the impact as low and 48.6% as high. Nonetheless, specific items related to academic performance scored consistently high, indicating a recognized negative impact on focus, class attendance, and study outcomes. While students show substantial knowledge of alcohol's risks, factors like peer pressure and stress continue to drive excessive intake. Academic performance is perceived to be impacted by these behaviors, suggesting a need for interventions. Targeted educational programs and mental health resources are recommended to address the knowledge-behavior gap. Strategies should focus on providing stress management support, fostering healthier social norms, and promoting awareness of alcohol's academic consequences. Keywords: Knowledge, Associated factors, Influence Alcohol, intake, Undergraduate students