Project – Effect of alcoholism on the academic achievement of students

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Alcoholism, a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive and compulsive drinking, has long been a significant public health issue, especially among adolescents and young adults. The impact of alcohol consumption on academic performance is an area of growing interest among researchers, as the effects of alcohol on cognitive abilities, social functioning, and mental health can have far-reaching consequences on students’ educational outcomes. In the context of Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as Lowland College of Health Science and Technology, Shendam, understanding the relationship between alcohol abuse and academic achievement is crucial for the development of interventions that could mitigate the negative effects of alcohol consumption on students’ learning outcomes.

Numerous studies have established that alcohol consumption impairs cognitive functions critical to academic success, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. According to O’Connor and colleagues (2018), alcohol disrupts the brain’s hippocampal system, which is involved in memory and learning. The effects of alcohol on cognition can result in reduced concentration, poor retention of information, and difficulty in completing assignments. In a study by Osei and Ababio (2020), university students in Ghana reported experiencing significant challenges in their academic performance due to the cognitive impairments caused by binge drinking. This can be particularly damaging in environments like health science institutions, where academic rigor demands sharp focus and high intellectual capacity.

In addition to cognitive impairments, alcohol abuse among students is often associated with poor physical and mental health, which further hampers academic achievement. According to a study by Aluko and Omoteso (2021), heavy drinking among university students in Nigeria often leads to a range of health issues, including liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and depression. These health problems not only result in physical absence from classes but can also lead to emotional instability and decreased motivation to engage in academic activities. Students suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are commonly linked to alcoholism, may find it difficult to maintain consistent academic performance (Sanni & Abubakar, 2019).

Alcoholism also negatively affects students’ time management skills, which are essential for academic success. A study by Akinbode et al. (2020) observed that students who engaged in heavy drinking often had poor study habits, leading to missed deadlines, incomplete assignments, and lower grades. Alcohol abuse is known to disrupt students’ sleep patterns, which further exacerbates academic performance. A lack of adequate rest can impair cognitive processes, particularly memory consolidation, making it difficult for students to retain and apply learned material (Koehler et al., 2019). As such, the consequences of alcohol consumption extend beyond the immediate impairments of intoxication to include long-term academic struggles.

In the Nigerian context, cultural factors also play a significant role in the prevalence of alcohol consumption among students. According to a report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA, 2021), alcohol use is deeply embedded in many African cultures, and university students often engage in social drinking as part of their peer interactions. This social pressure can lead to an increased incidence of alcohol abuse, particularly in a college setting where students are away from home and seeking to fit in with their peers. In the case of Lowland College of Health Science and Technology, Shendam, where many students are from rural backgrounds, the normalization of alcohol consumption within social circles may increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse, which in turn affects academic outcomes.

Despite these challenges, some studies suggest that targeted interventions can mitigate the effects of alcohol on academic achievement. Programs aimed at educating students on the consequences of alcohol abuse, alongside offering counseling services and support for those struggling with addiction, have been shown to improve both students’ health and academic performance. In a study conducted by Adeyemo and Okunade (2022), university students who participated in alcohol awareness programs reported better academic outcomes and a reduction in alcohol-related absenteeism. Similarly, the provision of mental health services and peer support networks can assist students in overcoming the academic barriers posed by alcoholism, offering a holistic approach to improving both their educational performance and overall well-being.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Alcoholism among students in higher institutions is a growing concern, as it is widely recognized as a significant public health issue that can negatively impact various aspects of student life, particularly academic performance. Lowland College of Health Science and Technology, located in Shendam, Plateau State, is not immune to this problem. Despite the increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse, there is a noticeable prevalence of alcohol consumption among students, which raises serious questions about its influence on their educational outcomes. Alcoholism can impair cognitive function, reduce attention span, and lead to emotional instability, all of which are crucial for academic success. Therefore, there is an urgent need to examine the extent to which alcohol use affects the academic performance of students at this institution.

Students in health science disciplines are expected to maintain high academic standards due to the nature of their studies, which demand critical thinking, memory retention, and consistent focus. Alcohol abuse, however, is known to interfere with these cognitive abilities, leading to poor concentration, difficulty in remembering lectures, and decreased problem-solving abilities. The presence of alcohol in a student’s life can create a vicious cycle, where poor academic performance due to cognitive impairment leads to further alcohol consumption as a means of coping with stress or frustration. This exacerbates the problem and results in a long-term decline in academic achievement. In the case of Lowland College of Health Science and Technology, the academic demands of health science programs further highlight the potential consequences of alcohol abuse on students’ performance.

Beyond the direct impact on cognitive functions, alcoholism can also lead to physical and mental health problems that interfere with students’ academic engagement. Alcohol abuse is often associated with a range of health issues, including liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. These health challenges can lead to frequent absenteeism, as students may miss classes or exams due to illness or hospitalization. Furthermore, mental health problems resulting from alcohol use, such as anxiety or depression, can affect students’ motivation and ability to focus on their studies. These health-related issues can have serious long-term consequences for students’ academic success and overall well-being, making it necessary to investigate how widespread this problem is at Lowland College.

The social environment at Lowland College of Health Science and Technology may also contribute to the prevalence of alcohol abuse. Many students, particularly those from rural backgrounds, may experience social pressures to engage in alcohol consumption as part of the peer group culture. In Nigerian society, alcohol consumption is sometimes normalized, especially among young adults, and this can influence students’ attitudes toward drinking. The lack of comprehensive alcohol education programs or support systems to help students deal with peer pressure may further exacerbate the problem. As a result, students may begin to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism for academic stress, social isolation, or personal challenges, which negatively impacts their academic performance.

Moreover, there is limited research specifically addressing the relationship between alcohol consumption and academic achievement in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas like Shendam, Plateau State. While existing studies have explored the effects of alcohol abuse on students in urban settings, there is a gap in understanding how these issues manifest in more localized and less-studied regions. The academic environment at Lowland College, which includes a mix of students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, may present unique challenges related to alcohol consumption. Understanding these localized factors is essential for developing targeted interventions and support systems to address alcohol abuse and its impact on academic achievement at the college.

Given the significance of academic achievement for students’ future prospects, it is critical to examine how alcohol abuse affects both short-term and long-term academic outcomes at Lowland College of Health Science and Technology, Shendam. This research is necessary to highlight the scope of the problem and provide evidence-based recommendations for addressing the negative effects of alcohol on students’ academic lives. The findings could inform the development of policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, promoting healthier coping mechanisms, and supporting students’ academic success. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the impact of alcoholism on the academic achievement of students at Lowland College and provide valuable insights into how the issue can be mitigated to enhance students’ overall educational outcomes.

1.3. Purpose of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of alcoholism on the academic achievement of students of Lowland College of Health Science and Technology Shendam Plateau State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the prevalence of alcoholism among students at Lowland College.
2. To assess the impact of alcoholism on the academic performance of students.
3. To identify factors contributing to alcoholism among students at the college.
4. To explore potential interventions to address alcoholism and improve academic achievement.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the prevalence of alcoholism among students at Lowland College?
2. How does alcoholism impact the academic performance of students at the college?
3. What factors contribute to alcoholism among students at Lowland College?
4. What potential interventions can be explored to address alcoholism and improve academic achievement among students at the college?

1.6. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Alcoholism has no significant impact on the academic performance of students

H1: Alcoholism has significant impact on the academic performance of students.

 

 

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of alcoholism on the academic achievement of students of Lowland College of Health Science and Technology Shendam Plateau State.

 

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Effect: The term “effect” refers to the outcome or result produced by a particular cause or influence. In the context of research, it typically refers to how a specific factor or variable (e.g., alcoholism) impacts or changes another variable (e.g., academic achievement). Effects can be positive, negative, or neutral, and can vary in intensity or scope depending on the circumstances.
2. Alcoholism: Alcoholism, also known asalcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic medical condition characterized by an individual’s inability to control or stop consuming alcohol despite the negative consequences. It involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, leading to compulsive drinking, tolerance (requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effects), and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped. Alcoholism can have serious health implications and can interfere with personal, social, and occupational functioning.
3. Academic Achievement: Academic achievement refers to the extent to which a student has achieved their educational goals, typically measured through grades, test scores, assignments, and overall performance in their studies. It is an indicator of how well a student has acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies in a particular subject or field of study. Academic achievement can reflect both cognitive abilities (such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking) and non-cognitive factors (such as effort, motivation, and time management).
4. Students: Students are individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution or program with the purpose of gaining knowledge, skills, and competencies in a particular field of study. They typically range from primary to tertiary education levels, and in this context, students are those enrolled in higher education institutions such as Lowland College of Health Science and Technology. Students may vary in age, background, and academic level, but they share the common goal of pursuing education to improve their future prospects.

Project – Effect of alcoholism on the academic achievement of students