Work

Hazardous Alcohol Consumption Among High-School Teachers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Screening teachers for hazardous alcohol consumption is important to designing interventions that promote a conducive teaching–learning environment. However, there is scarce evidence on screening activities among teachers in low-income countries, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption and associated factors among high-school teachers in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected 407 teachers. Hazardous alcohol consumption was assessed using the Fast Alcohol Screening Test, with a score ≥3 indicating a positive result. Data were collected electronically using EpiCollect5 through interviewer administration. SPSS (Version 25) was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out, and variables with a p <0.05 in the final analysis were considered significantly significant. Results The prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption was 16% (95% CI=12.40, 19.54): 20.9% among men and 6.1% among women. The odds of hazardous drinking were higher among male participants (AOR=4.46, 95% CI=1.87, 10.60), among teachers aged <41 years (AOR=3.76, 95% CI=1.39, 10.15), among first-degree holders than among second-degree holders (AOR=2.72, 95% CI=1.14, 6.49), and among those who screened positive for psychological distress (AOR=4.28, 95% CI=2.15, 8.50). In addition, participant with low social support had 3.95 times higher odds of hazardous alcohol consumption (AOR=3.95, 95% CI=1.49, 10.45). Conclusions Hazardous alcohol consumption was high in teachers, particularly when compared with previous literature examining hazardous alcohol consumption in the general population. This refers to integrating lifestyle and other psychosocial interventions in the teachers' development programs to prevent alcohol consumption, with more emphasis on younger employees, men, those who experience psychological distress, and those who lack close interpersonal relationships.

Source: AJPM Focus

DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2025.100347

Authors: Abrham Maru Moges, Gizachew Asnake Tiruneh, Tilahun Belete Mossie

Institutions: University of Gondar, Bahir Dar University

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,910