The Causes of Alcoholism in Kabale, Rubanda and Rukiga Districts of Western Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the causes of alcohol consumption in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts. The
study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide a thorough
understanding of the causes of alcohol consumption in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts. Data from 618 respondents
was collected and analysed quantitatively, supplemented with qualitative analysis. Since descriptive analysis required the
description of a single variable and its attributes, frequency tables were used to present the data. The study found that
there are numerous causes of alcohol consumption in Kabale Rubanda and Rukiga Districts. The study found that alcohol consumption in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts is influenced by cultural, social, economic, and psychological factors, with respondents reporting overwhelmingly negative effects on health, poverty, education, work, incarceration, marriage, and social respect. The study recommended that stakeholders address the root causes of alcohol consumption in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts by addressing harmful cultural practices through awareness campaigns, reducing social peer pressures through community dialogues, mitigating economic triggers by promoting income generating opportunities, and dealing with psychological drivers through counselling, mental health support, and
rehabilitation programs