The Patterns and Causes of Drinking Among Students in a Private University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and understand patterns and causes of drinking of university students by using phenomenological qualitative design. Data were collected among 30 participants derived from snow ball technique through an indepth interview under ethical considerations. Qualitative content analysis, in which articulation and clarification of the meaning and transferability in the “text” was used, was applied and the results revealed that the participants usually drank alcohol 1-4 times/week and the amount of consumption varied from drinking for better physical health to intoxication level. „Cocktail Frozen‟ was the most popular form for participants‟ drinking and the main reason was to re-joy their lives. Places for drinking were usually located at the nearby university and dormitory. There were four causes involving participants‟ drinking including gender, psychological problems, parents‟ drinking, and peer pressure. It was concluded that the knowledge and understanding about patterns and causes of drinking among the university students will enable health care providers to initiate health promotion programs to quit drinking effectively.