Abstract

In Uganda, alcohol consumption has been on the rise, with WHO ranking Uganda as the highest consumer in the
world. Studies conducted among internally displaced populations in war-torn areas of northern Uganda have
revealed that alcoholism is a prevalent issue, particularly among men. This has become a major cause of domestic
violence, accidents, and other fatalities within homes. The aim of this study was to assess the factors contributing to
alcohol abuse among young people aged 15-25 at Starch Factory at Lira district Uganda. Questionnaires were used
to gather data, which was then analyzed manually using pens, papers, and calculators, and later presented in
numerical tables using a computer. The study revealed that the main contributing factors to alcohol abuse among
young people were environmental, such as the availability of alcohol, local breweries, and persuasive advertisements.
Socio-economic factors, including peer pressure, social norms, unemployment stress, and feelings of boredom, also
played a significant role. The study also identified the major repercussions of alcohol abuse on health and the
economy. In conclusion, the availability of alcohol through numerous breweries and persuasive advertisements,
along with social norms, unemployment, boredom, and peer pressure, were found to be the primary drivers of alcohol
abuse among young people in this village. The government should therefore organize and fund health talk programs
and seminars to raise awareness within the community about the factors contributing to alcohol abuse and its impact
on their lives. Additionally, the government should implement strict alcohol policies that regulate the age, level, and
time of alcohol consumption.
Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Alcohol abuse, Youths, breweries, Persuasive advertisements