Alcohol Knowledge and Consumption among Medical Students in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Alcohol consumption has been linked to the risk of developing cancers and other Non communicable diseases. The knowledge, attitude and practices of alcohol use among the next generation of health care professionals will affect efforts to prevent alcohol related diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of medical students regarding alcohol consumption. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among a representative sample of 240 students using self administered questionnaires. Majority (83. 3%) of the respondents had good knowledge about alcohol however less than half (46.6%) recognized that alcohol was a risk factor for cancer. About a third (33.3%) of the respondents drinks alcohol. The majority (73.8%) of the respondents who consumed alcohol did so " to have fun with friends " . Most (66.3%) of the respondents that did not consume alcohol did not do so because it is against their religion. The senior level students had better knowledge on alcohol than the junior students (p<0.05). However, this did not influence their practice. (p<0.05). Alcohol consumption was more prevalent among males than females (p<0.05). Education on alcohol needs to be given more emphasis to prepare them for work in alcohol control.