Views of nursing students regarding alcohol abuse and measures to prevent the abuse of alcohol

Abstract

Introduction:- Alcohol abuse is well-known phenomenon among nursing students, which has resulted in their not performing academically and at times, affecting the safety of their patients. Few studies have been done to establish nursing students’ views on alcohol consumption in South Africa, despite the fact that its abuse among tertiary level students in general is well reported. This makes it difficult to identify the factors that affect its consumption and the resulting problems that may arise from its abuse, and what measures need to be taken to ensure patient safety at all times. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to determine the views of nursing students regarding alcohol abuse among nursing and measures to prevent the abuse of alcohol. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey design entailed the use of self-administered questionnaires across five KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing campuses. Probability systematic sampling was used to first randomly select five campuses of the provinces’ nine campuses, and within which 320 students across the four years of study of the Diploma in Nursing programme were selected. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected for their demographic details and the four study objectives using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: - The majority of respondents were African (78%), female (71%) aged 20 – 25 years (65%). The three highest factors affecting alcohol consumption were for experimental purposes 69%- (n = 219), peer pressure 70% (n= 222) and to cope with stressful situations 76% (n = 243). A similar number had engaged in illegal activities to obtain alcohol (5/319), experienced withdrawal symptoms when they stopped drinking (7/314) Attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings (5/314), been hospitalized due to drinking (5/310) and been arrested for drunk driving (6/317). Conclusion: Nursing students should be reminded annually about the dangers of alcohol abuse and the consequences for their personal and patient safety. An emphasis being placed on helping them to cope with stressful situations and to not succumbing to peer pressure to consume alcohol.