Álcool e adolescentes: estudo para implementar políticas municipais Alcohol and adolescents: study to implement municipal policies

Acesse: Álcool e Adolescentes.pdf

 Álcool e adolescentes: estudo para implementar políticas municipais
Alcohol and adolescents: study to implement municipal policies

Álcool, Adolescentes: Políticas Públicas

 Denise Leite Vieira, PhD pesquisadora da UNIAD
Marcelo Ribeiro, PhD pesquisador da UNIAD
Marcos Romano, MD pesquisador da UNIAD
Ronaldo R. Laranjeira, PhD pesquisador/coordenador da UNIAD

Introduction: Alcohol is the most used drug around the world and youth drinking is particularly of concern as young people are more likely to engage in risk behaviors Objectives: To describe the students’ profile regarding pattern of alcohol consumption, perception of availability and ease of access to alcohol, drinking contexts and consequences of drinking behavior. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 1990 students from 5th to 11th grade from schools in Paulínia (SP). Data collection was conducted at the classroom without the presence of the teacher. The participation on the study was voluntary and anonymous. Results: Prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was 62,2% and 17,3% of the pupils reported at least one episode of binge drinking on the previous 30 days. Adolescents reported easy access to alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments, as well as in social contexts with family and friends. Only 1% of the minors had tried to buy alcohol and failed. The students reported negative consequences of drinking on the previous 12 months such as getting involved in a fight after drinking (5%). Fifty-five percent of the students reported knowing someone who had been involved in a car crash because of a drunk driver. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal the high prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents; the easy access to alcoholic beverages including to minors; that youngsters put themselves at risk and present negative consequences of alcohol consumption. This paper enhances the relevance of a prompt action regarding alcohol policies in Brazil.