FINANCIAL STRAIN AND ALCOHOL USE AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study examined financial strain and alcohol use as predictors of psychological distress among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. A total of 126 students were recruited using a convenience sampling technique (38 males, 30.2%; 88 females, 69.8%), aged between 20 and 39 years (M = 25.10, SD = 3.26). Instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a Financial Strain Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). A predictive survey design was adopted, and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that specific dimensions of financial strain educational expenses, relationship-related financial pressures and credit obligations were significant positive predictors of psychological distress (p < .05), whereas physical strain and meaning-related obligations showed negative associations. Alcohol use also significantly and positively predicted psychological distress (p < .05). The results suggest that economic pressures and alcohol consumption constitute important risk factors for students’ mental health. The study recommends institution-wide preventive and intervention strategies addressing financial vulnerability and substance use within university settings.