Background: Sexual coercion is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and is a risk factor for unintended pregnancies,\r\nsexually transmitted infections and mental health problems. Alcohol consumption patterns have been suggested to\r\nbe an important factor behind the experience of sexual coercion among university students.\r\nObjective: To study the association between alcohol consumption and the experience of sexual coercion among\r\nUgandan university students.\r\nMethod: In 2010, 1954 Ugandan students participated in a cross sectional survey, conducted in Mbarara University\r\nof Science and Technology (72% response rate). A self-administered questionnaire assessed socio-demographic\r\nfactors, alcohol consumption, mental health, and sexual behavior. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used\r\nto examine the various predictors of recent experience of sexual coercion. The data were stratified by sex.\r\nResults: Of the 1954 students, 27.6% reported having experienced sexual coercion and 16.4% stated that they had such\r\nan experience recently. Individuals who reported frequent consumption of alcohol, or having consumed alcohol often on\r\nthe occasion of sexual intercourse, were found to have a higher probability of recent experiences of sexual coercion (OR\r\nadjusted 2.29, 95% CI 1.40ââ?¬â??3.72, and OR adjusted 2.78, 95% CI 1.56ââ?¬â??4.97, respectively). These associations were significant\r\neven after adjusting for potential confounders. A synergistic effect was found between poor mental health and frequent\r\nconsumption of alcohol in conjunction with having sex with regard to its impact on recent experiences of sexual coercion.\r\nConclusion: We found an association between alcohol consumption and experiences of sexual coercion among Ugandan\r\nuniversity students. Therefore, universities may want to consider alcohol prevention under their policy framework, as it\r\ncould reduce the potential risk of sexual coercion.
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