Abstract

The study determined factors associated with alcohol use disorder among medical students
at Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Bushenyi District. The study
employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey, where questionnaires were administered to
a sample of 320 medical students where medical students in all academic years and medical
courses were represented. Cluster sampling techniques were employed in this research with
each class of medical students being regarded as a primary sampling unit. Findings found
out that; the prevalence of alcohol use disorder among medical students at Kampala
International University-Western Campus indicated that; more agreed to consume alcohol
like spirits, beer, wine and local brews. Few started drinking before joining campus, and
more started drinking after joining Campus and had spent 1-2 years up to over 3 years
consuming alcohol. These were inspired by family members, friends and social gatherings
at home as well as social gatherings at the university. These drank daily, weekly, twice a
week, thrice a week, and once a month, though many lied about the amount of alcohol they
took on a daily basis. More felt angry when some complained of their drinking, though they
also felt like cutting down their alcohol intake. The effects of drinking alcohol made them
lose valuable items, experienced excessive vomiting, alcohol led to stomach pains/upset, led
to accidents and put them into debt. It also led to petty theft, harmed their friends, engaged
in unprotected sex, made them lose classes, made them get lower grades and led to injuries