Abstract

Ernest E. Fon, Abiya E. Acha and Wilfred A. Abia

Alcohol has a strong effect on people and can cause major health problems, including liver cirrhosis and injuries in consumer’s bodies. In Cameroon, data on alcohol consumption levels as well as its influences on youth psychology and education are currently non-existing. The aim of this survey was to determine beer consumption patterns amongst students in higher institutions of learning in Buea, Cameroon, in relations to students’ lifestyles, health history and academic performances. Structured questionnaires were randomly administered to some 280 students. A total of 200 responses (males: 56.5%; females: 43.5%) were obtained from students who consume beer. Beer consumption practices were directly associated with students monthly pocket allowances. Averagely, students who drank beer consumed 1.7 L/day. This may partly justify the observed alcohol intoxication related symptoms including nausea, memory loss, accidents as revealed by survey findings. Generally, beer intake correlated negatively with student’s attitude toward their studies and positively with violence as well as nasty practices such as unconscious sexual behaviours; pointing at risk of HIV infections. This preliminary survey has for the first time in Cameroon provided data on beer intake and its effects on student’s health, behaviours and attitude towards their education.