Students' Oral Histories on Family Environment and Alcohol Use: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Adolescent and young adult alcohol use remains a significant public health concern.
• Family environment is recognized as a critical determinant of substance use behaviors.
• Limited research exists on family influences on alcohol consumption specifically within nursing student populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore family-related factors impacting alcohol use among nursing students.
• To understand the lived experiences and perspectives of nursing students regarding family influences on their alcohol consumption.
• To identify potential protective factors within the family structure.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing the Oral History method.
• In-depth interviews conducted with nursing students from a public higher education institution in the Amazon region.
• Thematic analysis of interview data, guided by a theoretical framework on alcohol consumption.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: family inhibition of alcohol use, implicit household prohibition, financial dependence on family, and adult responsibilities.
• Family inhibition and implicit prohibition were identified as significant deterrents to alcohol use.
• Financial dependence and the assumption of adult responsibilities also shaped students' relationships with alcohol.

Conclusions:

• The family structure plays a vital protective role in influencing young adults' attitudes toward alcohol.
• Findings suggest the need for tailored university interventions, including awareness campaigns and support services.
• Interventions should consider the family context to effectively address alcohol use among nursing students.