Prevalence and Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Among Tunisian Nursing Students
A. Sdiri, I. Betbout, D. Charfi, Z. Ben Slimene, M. Ben Mbarek, N. Faouel, A. Ben Haouala, F. Zaafrane, A. MhallaIntroduction
Alcohol consumption among young adults constitutes a major public health concern, given its association with a range of adverse health, academic, and social outcomes. This population is particularly susceptible to hazardous drinking behaviors due to several factors. A comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and contributing risk factors is essential for informing evidence-based prevention strategies and targeted interventions within this demographic.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with alcohol use among nursing students at a private institute in Tunisia.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 300 nursing students at a private higher education institute in Tunisia. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and alcohol dependence was assessed using CAGE-DETA test.
Results
The study included 300 nursing students, predominantly female (63%), with most participants aged 20–21 years (49%). All respondents were single, and the majority (96%) had not repeated an academic year. Over half (54.3%) lived with their families. 33.7% of participants reported having used psychoactive substances, with alcohol being the most common after tabacco (28%). About 57.1% of students showed potentially risky or high alcohol consumption, while 42.9% reported low or no use. The mean consumption score was 1.79, indicating moderate overall use, with a subset at risk of misuse. Several influencing factors were identified. Alcohol use increased significantly with age (r = 0.259, p < 0.001) and was more prevalent among males (20%) than females (8%) (p < 0.001). Although academic level was not significant (p = 0.452), first-year students showed higher consumption (10.7%). Repeating a year showed a marginal association (p = 0.102). Students living away from family reported higher use (16% vs. 12%, p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis shows age and male sex are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. Older students and males are more likely to consume alcohol, while females have a lower likelihood (OR = 0.138). Place of residence shows a non-significant trend toward affecting consumption.
Conclusions
Alcohol consumption is prevalent among college students. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies addressing high-risk groups, particularly younger male students and those living away from family, to reduce harmful alcohol consumption in university settings.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared