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Friday, May 11, 2007

Predictors of risky alcohol consumption in schoolchildren and their implications for preventing alcohol-related harm
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 2007, 2:15


Youth drinking patterns, including bingeing, frequent drinking and drinking in public spaces, are associated with increased risks of acute (e.g. violence) and long-term (e.g. alcohol-dependence) health problems.

Here we examine economic, behavioural and demographic factors that predict these risky drinking behaviours among 15-16 year old schoolchildren.

Binge, frequent and public drinking were strongly related to expendable income and to individuals buying their own alcohol. Obtaining alcohol from friends, older siblings and adults outside shops were also predictors of risky drinking amongst drinkers.

However, being bought alcohol by parents was associated with both lower bingeing and drinking in public places. Membership of youth groups/teams was in general protective despite some association with bingeing.

By examining factors associated with such drinking, here we have identified eradicating underage alcohol sales and increasing understanding of childrens spending as important considerations in reducing risky alcohol use.

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