Prevalence of Substance Use and the Role of Religiosity Among Uganda Christian University Undergraduate Students

The United Nations estimates that there are approximately 28 million substance users in Africa with alcohol being the most prevalent substance. In Africa, students make up a large percentage of substance users. Evidence indicates substance use prevalence among this population may exceed 84%. While evidence highlights religiosity as a determinant of health, the study of its prevalence and role in Africa is still inadequate. This study established substance use prevalence among undergraduates who attended classes in-person at the Uganda Christian University’s Mukono and Kampala campuses and examined the role of faith, religion, and spirituality on substance use. Data was collected from a sample of 407 students in the Uganda Christian University semester of January to May 2024 and analyzed through logistic regression. Substance use was influenced by multiple determinants, including males being twice more likely to use substances than females, and third-year students twice more likely than first-year students. Students residing on campus or in university-affiliated hostels showed a 42% reduced likelihood of substance use. Participants attending religious meetings once or more times weekly were about 44.8% less likely to use substances than those attending less frequently. Catholics were twice more likely to use substances than Anglicans, while Pentecostals were 42% less likely than Anglicans. Participants with multiple substance-using family members were eight times more likely to use substances than those without a family history. Findings draw attention to the value of including spiritual guidance and targeting high-risk groups with faith-based interventions to reduce substance use.