O.4.2-6 The complexity of physical activity and alcohol consumption in adolescents aged 13-16 years: cross-sectional analysis of Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children data (ALSPAC)

Abstract

Abstract Purpose A recent review indicated that physical activity (PA), facilitated by organisations/clubs, may reduce alcohol consumption in early to mid-adolescence. Our study aims were to examine these factors, and identify how health determinants may influence association. Methods Cross-sectional secondary data analysis using UK cohort data from ALSPAC. Ages and sample-size: Time-point (TP) 1: 13-14 (n = 1824), TP2: 15-16 (n = 1334). Variables: minutes per day spent in moderate to vigorous PA > =3 days of accelerometer wear. Ancillary PA variables: Club-type (CT); and frequency of attending club (FAC) collected age 15 only. Risk of alcohol-related harm (RARH) categorised as: no current risk, increasing risk, and at risk (AR). Ordinal regression was conducted at each TP, using PA as a covariate. Explanatory variables (EVs): Psychosocial health (PSH) - Cluster membership numbers generated through K-means cluster analysis (uniquely represented at each TP); Socioeconomic status (SES); Educational attainment; BMI; Smoking status, and Gender. EVs entered into regression model if preliminary X2 tests achieved p<.10. Results Regression showed a positive association between PA and RARH at both TPs. Odds of being AR at TP1 were 1.31 greater for each 30 minute increase in PA (95%CI 1.10-1.57; p<0.002). At TP2: OR 1.24 (95%CI 1.01, 1.52; p=.036). TP1: CT (age 15) was not statistically significant at age 13. However, ‘sports club only’ (SCO), had greatest RARH (OR 1.04; 95%CI .806, 1.35; p=.753) vs. no CT. All EVs retained statistical significance at p<.05, excepting IDACI (p = .854) and gender (p = .917). TP2: Although CT was not statistically significant, SCO had the greatest RARH (OR 1.22; 95%CI .798, 1.86; p=.360). RARH was reduced if attending club most evenings vs. no attendance (OR .796; 95%CI .499,1.27; p=.388). Statistically significant EVs were PSH (OR 4.27; 95%CI 3.32, 5.51; p<.001) and smoking (OR 5.39; 95%CI 3.99, 7.29; p<.001). Model fit χ2 331.010, df 11, p<0.001. Pearson .455. Deviance .218. Nagelkerke .251. -2LL test of parallel lines with significance .321. Conclusions The relationship between PA and alcohol consumption is complex. While facilitated PA can provide many benefits for adolescents, potential unwanted consequences may be an increase in risk-behaviours like alcohol consumption. Further research is needed for greater comprehension of this association.