Socio-contextual variables associated with the beginning of alcohol use in adolescents based on sex
Keywords:
alcohol, adolescents, reasons for consumption, places of consumption, perception of availabilityAbstract
Introduction: Alcohol consumption among minors is a social problem. The objective was to characterize the pattern of alcohol use, analyzing various socio-contextual variables associated with the beginning of consumption, as well as differences based on sex.
Material and methods: Non-probabilistic descriptive study with 286 students (averag eage = 15.74 years, SD=1,48, range 14-18 years). Information was collected on sociodemographic variables; alcohol consumption; age of initiation of consumption; perception of availability; reasons and places of consumption.
Results: 72.5% consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, with the prevalence being higher in girls than in boys. 78.1% got drunk at some point in their lives, with boys showing a higher frequency of drunkenness per month. The age of onset for binge drinking was 14.06 years. Seven out of 10 adolescents report a high perception of accessibility to alcohol. 45% of them access alcohol themselves, and the rest through adults. Seven out of 10 buy it in supermarkets, six out of 10 in bars and pubs, four out of 10 in clubs, and three out of 10 at home. Five out of 10 adolescents consumed for the first time in public spaces such as squares and parks, one out of 10 in bars/pubs, and two out of 10 in their own home. The main reasons for consumption reported were to celebrate something (79.3%), because it is fun (52.8%), to experience new things (39.4%) and to disconnect from their worries (38.9%). Nine out of 10 adolescents used for the first time in the company of their friends.
Discussion: The problem of alcohol consumption in adolescents cannot be addressed as an exclusively individual decision made by them. It is necessary to intervene on these socio-contextual factors that interact favoring alcohol consumption in adolescent minors.
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Accepted 2024-04-12
