Factors associated with excessive alcohol consumption among youngAngolans in Rangel district, Luanda

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption is a public health problem, associated with harmful effects on the lives of consumers. Objectives: To evaluate the factors related to excessive alcohol consumption among young people living in the Rangel district, in Luanda, Angola. Methodology: This is an analytical, prospective, quantitative study conducted with 61 participants. Results: Excessive alcohol consumption was predominant among men (77.8%) and increased with age, rising from 39.1% among young people aged 18 to 23 years, to 83% in the 30 to 35 age group. Most participants were from Luanda (61.1%), single (60%), self-employed (100%), low-income (65.5%) and with basic education (92.3%). The most consumed beverages were beer (76%), spirits (71.4%), and alcoholic mixtures (76%), in addition to the use of substances such as crack, cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes, and shisha. The main influences on consumption were friends (67.9%) and personal will (62.2%). Among the non-neurological consequences, gastritis, weight gain, and malnutrition stood out. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between gender, age group, employment status, personal income, education, type of beverage, use of other substances, time of consumption, reason for consumption, and some non-neurological consequences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Excessive alcohol consumption among the young people studied was influenced by gender, age group, employment status, income, education, type of beverage consumed, concomitant use of other substances, time, and reasons for consumption.