Abstract:

Background, Peer group play significant roles in behavior changes among many young population specifically students and street children around the world [1]. It was estimated that 49.4% of the adolescents and young people’s behavior attributed by peer groups following parenting style

Aim of the study: the study aimed to determine the positive and negative effects of the peer group among university students at CUHAS, Mwanza.

Methodology: this was descriptive cross-sectional study used conducted at CUHAS Mwanza, 2024. The study used well written questionnaire to collect data and Simple randomly sampling to obtain participants. The inclusion criteria were all students at CUHAS, who agreed to consent and participate in the study. The data were analyzed using Microsoft excel and STATA version 16. The results were displayed into tables and graph

Results: A total of 255 students were recruited with mean age of 25.3 years old. Majority of the study participants had age range 15-29 years (78.3%). Almost one third of the participants were MD students and studied second year. The study found majority of students experienced positive effects 150(58.9%) of peer group including increase rate of academic performance and positive behavior changes. The negative effects such as peer pressure and involvement in risk behavior were identified as negative outcomes of peer groups among students.

Conclusion and recommendation: The study found that peer group among students at CUHAS had positive effect such as increase rate of academic performance and promotions of positive behaviors; in other side peer group was linked with the negative effects such as peer pressure and involvement in risky behaviors such as alcohol use, cigarette smoking and marijuana consumptions among university students. there should be university follow up and inspections to stop the emerged peer group that affects behaviors of some students and influences spread of negative behaviors such as alcohol use and cigarette smoking