Influence of Alcohol use Disorder on Socio-Family Relationships Among Adolescents in Bujumbura Town Hall, Burundi

Keite Marie Alix Muhirwe, Manyibe Eucabeth and Ngure Agnes Wairimu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Email: K.muhirwe17@gmail.com

Abstract: Alcohol use among adolescents may affect not only individual wellbeing but also family and social relationships. This study assessed the influence of alcohol use disorder on socio-family relationships among adolescents in Bujumbura Town Hall, Burundi. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires from 298 adolescent students, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 20 student leaders.Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and findings from both components were integrated during interpretation. Alcohol use disorder had a mean score of 3.21 (standard deviation 1.16), while socio-family relationships had a mean score of 2.84 (standard deviation 1.18). Alcohol use disorder was significantly and negatively associated with socio-family relationships (r = −0.536, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that alcohol use disorder significantly predicted socio-family relationships (β = −0.536, p < 0.001), explaining 28.7% of the variance. Qualitative findings highlighted limited family communication, inadequate support, alcohol-related conflict, fear, and discomfort in discussing alcohol-related challenges. Therefore, alcohol use disorder was significantly associated with poorer socio-family relationships among adolescents in Bujumbura Town Hall. Interventions should incorporate supportive family communication, parental engagement, and family-centred approaches alongside efforts to address adolescent alcohol use.