Determinants of alcohol consumption among in-school adolescents in Oyo state: consequences for health and safety education

Abstract

Alcohol abuse among adolescents is associated with a variety of risky behaviours, as well as consequent physical and/or mental health complications with an increased likelihood of long term effects reaching into adulthood. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilized in selecting 525 students in their 5th and 6th year in 15 out of 30 secondary schools in the area studied. Data collection was through a self developed and administered questionnaire. Three null hypotheses were tested with the use of chi- square at 0.05 level of significance. The results obtained indicate that there is significant relationship between accessibility and alcohol consumption, price and alcohol consumption, media and alcohol consumption. It concludes by discussing the consequences on the adolescents and suggests some remedies for adolescent safety education.