Comparison of the predictors of alcohol use and misuse among Han and aboriginal students in Taiwan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the predictors of alcohol usage between the Han and aboriginal students in Taiwan. Results showed a significant gender difference for alcohol use and problematic drinking in both Han and aboriginal adolescents, with males having a higher prevalence of these problems than females in both groups. Aboriginal adolescents did not show gender differences in alcohol-related negative consequences. Male, paternal drinking, single-parent household, peer drinking, and peer relationships are the significant predictors for the Hans adolescents' problematic drinking. Gender, paternal drinking, and peer drinking are the significant predictors for aboriginal adolescents' problematic drinking. If the father drinks frequently, odds ratio is 6.48 likely for aboriginal adolescents to have problematic drinking. If peers drink frequently, odds ratio is 6.26 likely for aboriginal adolescents to have alcohol-related negative consequences. Frequent peer drinking was associated with a 6.26 odds ratio of have alcohol-related negative consequences.