Investigating the Connections between Alcohol Use, Mental Health, and Undergraduate Academic Achievement in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Alcohol and mental health problems are becoming more common among university students. During university activities, students use alcohol to ease the pressure on their mental freedom. The primary goal of this study is to have a look at how alcohol usage and depression affect university students' academic performance. Students face issues like skipping classes, late assignments, and dropping GPA due to substance abuse and mental health issues. The main purpose of this research is to investigate how alcohol use and mental health affect the academic performance of university students. A mixed-method approach was used, including online questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. The study found a significant link between binge alcohol consumption and academic performance, with factors like peer influence, coping mechanisms, and academic stress influencing this relationship. The study emphasizes the need for universities to address this relationship and recommends measures and awareness programs to reduce stress and improve student health in Sri Lanka. The study analyses data using correlation and thematic analyses and utilizes the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to determine alcohol intake levels.