Prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for the initiation of alcohol use among female college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study from urban Bengaluru, India

Abstract

Background: Female alcohol users are increasing in recent days. Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic would have worsened the situation. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and reasons for the initiation of alcohol use among college students during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study and qualitative in-depth interviews among female college students from medical, engineering and arts & science streams. WHO-AUDIT questionnaire was used to identify alcohol use and patterns. Results: A total of 1111 students participated. The prevalence of alcohol use was 28.3% (95% CI 25.6–31.0). Of them, harmful use and alcohol dependency were 3.5% (95% CI 2.5–4.8) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.7–3.6), respectively. Age (APR = 4.95, p=<0.001), family history of alcohol (APR = 1.60, p=<0.001), friends consuming alcohol (APR = 1.53, p=<0.001) and tobacco use (APR = 1.70, p=<0.001) were associated with alcohol use. Mothers’ education (APR = 3.06, p = 0.043), family history of alcohol (APR = 2.53, p = 0.008) and type of college (APR = 2.65, p = 0.010) were associated with harmful use/dependency. Social influence, college and family environment were the main reason for the initiation of alcohol use. Conclusion: High prevalence of alcohol use among female college students emphasizes the need for alcohol use prevention interventions in colleges.

Keywords

• Alcohol dependence
• Substance use
• Peer pressure