Exploring the alcohol consumption of students in a higher education institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A case study

Abstract

Several studies in foreign literatures indicated an increase in health-related problems induced by alcohol use as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic accompanying limitations on mobility. However, there were a handful of previous research on alcohol usage in the Philippines, particularly in Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this current gap in mind, this study evaluated alcohol use among students at a Higher Education Institution in Metro Manila in order to offer evidence-based data for the formulation of alcohol-related health policy. Furthermore, this study is critical in developing an intervention program to assist students in diverting their focus away from alcohol intake. This study used an online survey form, with 564 students participated. The findings revealed that respondents have different preferences and patterns. Almost all of the respondents are aware of the dangers of excessive alcoholic beverage consumption; a large percentage determined that they do not have a drinking problem; a small percentage revealed that they have tried driving while under the influence of alcohol; and more than one-fourth of the respondents drank at least one glass of alcoholic beverages during enhanced community quarantine. The chi-squared test was also utilized to assess the difference between COVID-19 lockdowns and alcohol consumptions.