TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE PATTERNS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THEIR HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Tobacco and alcohol consumption are major preventable risk factors contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. College students represent a vulnerable group for the initiation and continuation of substance use due to increased independence, peer influence, and academic stress. Understanding the patterns of tobacco and alcohol use and their associated health consequences among this population is essential for planning effective preventive strategies. The aim was to assess the prevalence and patterns of tobacco and alcohol use among college students and to evaluate their associated health consequences.

Methods: A college-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 undergraduate students aged 18–25 years. Data were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Tobacco and alcohol use were assessed using the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Data were analyzed using SPSS version [xx]. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency and percentage, while continuous variables were summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 21.1 ± 1.9 years, with males constituting 56% of the study population. Overall, 52% of students reported the use of tobacco and/or alcohol. Tobacco use alone was observed in 18%, alcohol use alone in 14%, and combined use in 20% of participants. Among tobacco users, 39.5% were hazardous users and 13.1% were dependent users. Health complaints were significantly more common among substance users compared to non-users (69.2% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.002), with sleep disturbances, respiratory symptoms, and psychological distress being the most frequently reported problems.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was observed among college students, with significant associated health consequences. These findings underscore the need for early, targeted, campus-based preventive and health promotion interventions to reduce substance use among young adults.