Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption at a young age increases the risk of developing alcohol related problems later in life, poor academic performance and increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases or other psychiatric disorders such as lethargy, hopelessness and insomnia. Methods: Health institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from January 15 � March 20, 2012. A sample size of 410 was calculated by Epi-info stat calc and stratified sampling technique was used. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression was used to assess the degree of association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 148 (36.5%) youths were found to be alcohol users and 104 (25.7%) of them were HIV positive. Alcohol use was positively associated with being male [OR & (95%CI) = 1.989(1.061, 3.728) ], khat use [OR & (95%CI) = 5.551(3.016, 10.216) ], not having comprehensive knowledge on HIV [OR & (95%CI) = 1.899 (1.024, 3.520)], HIV positive status [OR & (95%CI) = 5.645(2.854, 11.165) ], being merchant [OR & (95%CI) =10.254(2.366, 24.446) ] and student [OR & (95%CI) = 4.045(1.473, 11.108) ]. Initiation of alcohol use before 18 years was also positively associated with not having comprehensive knowledge on HIV [Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 1.914(1.091, 2.550)], khat use [Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 3.050 (2.007, 4.636)], watching sexual films [Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 1.892 (1.032, 3.296) ] living apart from parents [Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 2.315 (1.176, 4.558)] having -monthly income of <= $ 25 [Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 3.187 (1.854, 5.480)] and $ 25.1 - $ 55.5[Adj. HR & (95%CI) = 1.951(1.010, 3.771) ]

Biography

Akalewerk Delelegn Wegayehu has completed his BSc. in Clinical Nursing at age of 25 at Universal University College. He is now assistance instructor and academic program Officer in Universal University College. He has published three papers in local and international journals.

Email: akale2016@yahoo.com