Bottoms Up!: Effects of Alcohol Drinking on the Academic Performance of UP Manila First Year Students

Abstract

This study sought to establish and explore the effects of alcoholism on students’ academic performance, particularly class attendance, class participation, and grades in quizzes/examinations. One hundred and fifty-seven first year students of University of the Philippines Manila were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. After obtaining their informed consent, a survey questionnaire which explored their beliefs and attitudes towards drinking, nature of drinking behavior, type of drinking behavior, and effects of alcohol drinking on academic performance, was administered. Of the 157 survey respondents, 37 were classified as light drinkers, 101 respondents were moderate drinkers and 19 were classified as heavy drinkers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. The results indicated that there is statistically significant difference on the degree of performance in exams and degree of absenteeism (Sig.= 0.031 and 0.000) that existed among the light, moderate, and heavy drinkers. Out of the 19 heavy drinkers, 14 were reported to have absences due to their drinking behavior compared to the 33 out of 37 light drinkers who were never absent because of their drinking behavior. However, class participation showed no significant difference among the three types of drinkers. As a conclusion, despite the negative relationship on class participation among light, moderate, and heavy drinkers, a significant effect on the students’ academic performance was brought about by their drinking behavior.