Socio-Cultural Factors influencing Alcohol Consumption and Cigarette Smoking among Female Undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the socio-cultural determinants of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking among female undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The mixed methods research design was adopted in the study. The sample size of the study was 395. Quantitative and qualitative instruments were used to collect data in the study. The questionnaire was the quantitative instrument while the IDI Guide was the qualitative instrument for data collection in the study. The research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency counts and graphic illustrations. Three hypotheses were tested in the study using the Chi square test statistic. Findings from the study show that peer pressure is the major socio-cultural factor responsible for the involvement of female students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Health risks like endangering vital organs of the body and academic effects like truancy were found to be the major consequences of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on female students at the University who engage in drinking and smoking. The study recommends that alcohol and cigarette sales should be banned within the University community.