The Prevalence and Determinants of Alcohol Consumption Among Ghanaian Youth Aged 15-24: A Secondary Analysis of a Nation-Wide Survey.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption among youth (15–24 years) presents a substantial public health concern, contributing to numerous behavioural, social, economic, and health-related problems. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of alcohol use within this age group is critical for informing effective, evidence-based interventions. However, most existing studies in Ghana have been limited in scope and geographical coverage, hindering the assessment of national trends and impeding the formulation of nationwide prevention and control strategies. To help fill this gap, this study utilised data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) to examine the prevalence and determinants of alcohol consumption among Ghanaian youth aged 15–24. Methods: This study analysed data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), involving a nationally representative sample of 7,834 youth aged 15-24 (31.4% male and 68.6% female). The primary outcome was current alcohol consumption, within the 30 days preceding the survey. The prevalence of this outcome was estimated using a simple proportion. Its association with the determinants- age, sex, marital status, religious affiliation, educational level, employment status, place of residence, internal migration status, internet use, mass media exposure, and tobacco smoking- was examined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to report crude and adjusted odds ratios (cOR and aOR). The statistically significant level was set at 5%, and a 95% confidence interval was constructed around point estimates. Results: The prevalence of current and lifetime alcohol consumption among Ghanaian youth was 12.93% (95% CI: 11.68–14.30%) and 32.24% (95% CI: 30.27–34.27%), respectively. After adjusting for all determinants, alcohol use was significantly higher among males (aOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.16–1.80), older youth aged 20–24 years (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.16–1.80),employed individuals (aOR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.48–2.26), internet users (aOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09–1.68), and tobacco users (aOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.07–4.68). Compared to Christians, Muslims had significantly lower odds of alcohol consumption (aOR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.11–0.24), while traditionalists were more likely to drink (aOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.10–2.88). Although marital status was significantly associated with alcohol use in the bivariate model, where separated/divorced and widowed youth had higher odds of consumption (cOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.07–2.78)—the association was not statistically significant in the adjusted model. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption among Ghanaian youth is influenced by a complex interaction between demographic, economic, and behavioural factors. These findings call for stricter enforcement of legal drinking age, regulation of alcohol advertising on digital platforms, integration of alcohol prevention strategies with tobacco control efforts, and targeted awareness campaigns in collaboration with faith-based organisations