Evaluating students' perceptions of factors contributing to alcohol abuse at a TVET college in the Tshwane district

Abstract—The abuse of alcohol by young people has become widespread across the world. Previous studies confirmed that the excessive use of alcohol by students affects their health and academic results in South Africa. This study evaluates the students’ perceptions of factors contributing to alcohol abuse. It employed a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. It used a structured questionnaire to collect data. Three hundred and forty-four students were selected at a TVET college in the Tshwane District. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including factor analyses, correlation, and regression analyses, were used to analyse data. The findings revealed that the students perceived access to cheap alcohol could contribute to alcohol abuse. Stress and peer pressure could lead to alcohol abuse. This study recommended social support programmes to assist students in reducing alcohol abuse in communities.