Family history, stress and alcohol use: a case of gender differences

Abstract

Alcohol use is a significant public health concern, with contributing factors such as family history and stress, and research often shows that men and women experience stress and alcohol use differently due to biological, psychological, and social factors. This study investigated how gender influences the relationship between family history, stress, and alcohol use. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design with a sample of 427 (147 Male and 280 Female) individuals from Nakawa division. Data were collected through self-report questionnaire and analyzed using ANOVA, t-Test, and moderation analysis using PROCESS. The results of the study indicated that the relationship between family history and alcohol use were significantly influenced by gender among the respondents (p = < .01). this means that having a family history alcohol use is linked to a person’s likelihood of using alcohol, however, the strength and/or nature of this link is dependent on an individual’s gender. Additionally, family history did not significantly relate with stress as an influence of gender among the respondents (p = > .01), meaning that history did not have a noticeable effect on stress levels when gender as taken into account. Furthermore, stress and alcohol use was found to be significantly influenced by gender of the respondents (p = < .01). Moreover, the study highlighted that individuals with elevated stress levels and a family history of alcohol problems were more likely to exhibit higher levels of alcohol use, with the effects varying by gender (β = .5692, t = 3.0437, p = .001 < .01). Thus, while family history of alcohol problems is associated with alcohol use, this connection is stronger for different genders, suggesting that men and women may experience and respond to these risk factors differently. The findings can inform policymakers, clinicians, and social workers to develop evidence-based programs that address stress management, alcohol prevention, and support for individuals with a family history of alcohol problems in a longer run.