Prevalence of Binge Drinking and Associated Factors among Adolescents and Young Adults (15-24 Years) in Musanze District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53573/rhimrj.2025.v12n10.010Keywords:
Binge drinking, Adolescents and young adults, Alcohol use determinants, Peer influence, RwandaAbstract
Binge drinking among youth is a growing public health concern in Rwanda. However, evidence on its magnitude and drivers remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of binge drinking among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years in Muhoza Sector, Musanze District. A cross-sectional study design was used. It involved 212 participants who completed structured questionnaires. These questionnaires captured demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics. Descriptive statistics summarized participant profiles. Chi-square tests examined associations between variables. Factors with a p-value less than 0.20 in bivariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression model. These estimated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of binge drinking was 21.2%. Older age (21–24 years), peer alcohol use, prior traumatic experiences, and mental health challenges (depression or anxiety) were significantly associated with binge drinking. Financial instability and permissive alcohol-related social norms also increased risk. These findings show that binge drinking among youth in this setting is influenced by social, economic, and psychological factors. Targeted interventions should include mental health support, trauma-informed services, financial empowerment, and strategies to address peer influence and community alcohol norms.
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