Abstract:
A study investigating alcohol use amongst female undergraduate students was conducted at the University of Limpopo Turfloop Campus. The study was quantitative in nature and used a cross-sectional survey design. A purposive sample of 200 undergraduate female psychology students across 1st, 2nd and 3rd year levels was used. The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was used as a framework which guided the study and the reporting of the research results. The self-report questionnaire was made up of several standardized questionnaires and open-ended questions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely, frequency tables and figures as they gave a clear overall picture of the data. The chi square (X2) statistic was also used to see if there was significant difference in drinking trends between 1st, 2nd and 3rd year female psychology students. Nearly 89% of the entire sample reported to being Christian, it was expected that they would have moral values associated with the religion which would either call for moderate drinking or abstinence. The results of this study generally underpin this statement. Overall, a significant difference in drinking patterns across year levels, with first years more likely to report problem behaviours relating to alcohol consumption, than second or third year levels was found. In terms of the PMT, the majority of the respondents reported responsible drinking behaviours and patterns. However, a notable number of participants, although not statistically significant, did report a number of problems associated with alcohol consumption. The study recommends that future research be undertaken into alcohol use amongst both genders at different year levels at the institution. It was also recommended that qualitative research, to find out students motivations for drinking, be undertaken amongst both genders.
