DOI: 10.36347/sajp

Pages: 63-69

The prevalence in the use of alcohol calls for concern especially in the hands of adolescents. This study therefore sought to determine the Prevalence and Patterns of Alcohol Use among Senior Secondary School Students in Abraka, Delta state, Nigeria. This was a cross sectional study among 456 respondents drawn from 4 randomly selected mixed secondary schools in Abraka. The respondents were Senior Secondary School Students who were selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data collected were analysed with SPSS Version 20. Majority (97%) of the respondents were aged 11-20 years; 52% were males; 95% were Christians and 77% lived with both parents. Alcohol use prevalence was 55%; there were more male(35%) than female(20%) drinkers; 66% consumed beer, 86% of them consumed alcoholic wine; 45% began drinking at 11-15 years; 42% drank at ceremonies; 10% drank for pleasure; 22% drank because they feel it was a sociable thing to do; 4% and 2% respectively drink because their parents and friends also drank.71% were currently drinking; Alcoholic wines are most favoured. Alcohol drinking habit was associated with gender but not with religion and class specialization. In conclusion, alcohol use prevalence among senior secondary school students in Abraka was quite high, with most of the students initiating the habit at an early age. The prevalent socio-cultural environment and traditions appeared to be a key factor in this community. There is need, therefore, to develop viable underage preventive programmes on alcohol use for adolescents in this community