Abstract
To build students' profile regarding alcohol consumption and risk behavior. A total of 1,990 students were included in the study, aged 11 to 21 years old, from both genders, enrolled in public and private schools, in Southeastern Brazil, in 2004. A self-administered questionnaire was answered in the classroom without the presence of the teacher. The questionnaire also assessed the perception of how easy it was to get alcoholic beverages, the contexts where they drunk, and the consequences of drinking. Prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was 62.2%. Regarding consumption in the last 30 days, 17.3% of students reported at least one episode of binge drinking (five or more drinks). Adolescents reported that they had gotten alcoholic drinks very easily from shops, and also in social contexts with relatives and friends. Only 1% of underaged reported that they had tried and could not buy alcoholic beverages. As negative consequences of alcohol use in the last 12 months, students reported feeling sick due to drinking (17.9%), regret for doing something under the influence of alcohol (11%), blackouts (9.8%), and getting involved in a fight after drinking (5%). Over half of the students (55%) reported knowing someone who had been involved in a car accident because of a drunk driver. Data showed high prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents studied and how easy access to alcoholic beverages is, including to underaged people. Youngsters put themselves at risk and presented negative consequences of alcohol consumption. Prompt actions regarding public alcohol policies in Brazil are needed.
Highlights
Despite social, economical and cultural differences among countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out alcohol as the psychoactive substance most commonly consumed in the world and as the drug of choice among children and adolescents.[20,21] In Brazil, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among all age groups and its intake among adolescents is increasing, especially among younger people and among girls.[3]
Over half of the students (55%) reported knowing someone who had been involved in a car accident because of a drunk driver
Youngsters put themselves at risk and presented negative consequences of alcohol consumption
Summary
Economical and cultural differences among countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out alcohol as the psychoactive substance most commonly consumed in the world and as the drug of choice among children and adolescents.[20,21] In Brazil, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among all age groups and its intake among adolescents is increasing, especially among younger people (from 12 to 15 years of age) and among girls.[3]. Alcohol and adolescents: public policies Vieira DL et al. In addition to the high prevalence of alcohol intake by adolescents, another two factors are relevant: alcohol use initiation and the pattern of consumption. Studies[8] suggest that use is starting increasingly earlier – in Brazil, the mean age for the first use of alcohol is 12.5 years. The earlier the use is, the worse the consequences are, and the greater is the risk for developing abuse and dependence.[17]
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