Alcohol Consumption among Students at Lédea Bernard Ouédraogo University: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background: Excessive alcohol intake is a major global health concern with well-documented adverse consequences. It affects diverse population groups, including university students, who represent a particularly vulnerable population. In Burkina Faso, little is known about this issue. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption and to identify associated factors among students at ULBO. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical survey was conducted at ULBO between April 1 and June 30, 2024. Data were collected using two validated tools: the AUDIT-C and the DETA questionnaires. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.43 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.03. Muslims accounted for 59.6% of participants, while 23.5% identified as Catholic. Among the 230 students surveyed, 20% reported alcohol consumption. According to the AUDIT-C, 34.8% of drinkers exhibited hazardous use, while the DETA identified 60.8% at risk. Religion and family history of alcohol use were significantly associated with drinking, whereas no significant association was observed with male gender. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of alcohol use among ULBO students was lower than that reported in many African universities, one in five students still consumed alcohol, highlighting a public health challenge. Preventive actions targeting this young population group are needed to safeguard the health of the nation’s future workforce.