Urban alcohol consumption among secondary school students in Cote d'Ivoire

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is both a health and social risk factor. Few studies have been conducted on alcohol use among students in Cote d'Ivoire. This study was designed to determine factors associated with alcohol consumption among secondary school students in Cote d'Ivoire. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2011 among public secondary school students in Abidjan. One class for each year of study was randomly selected. Multivariate analysis was conducted between alcohol consumption and independent variables. Results: A total of 316 students participated in the survey. The mean age (SD) of the study population was 16.1 (2.7) years. One hundred and fourteen respondents (36.1%) reported having already drunk alcohol. Age of first alcohol consumption was 10-14 years among girls (48.8%) and 15-19 years among boys (49.3%). Multivariate logistic regression identified the following factors associated with alcohol use among students: Christian religion, more pocket money, living with parents who drink alcohol and the student's perception of alcohol as a refreshing drink or having an antidepressant effect. Conclusion: In the light of the determinants of alcohol consumption and the students' suggestions in our study, it appears essential to involve students in actions concerning alcohol abuse.