OBJECTIVES: To determine the pathways to alcohol use among adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of risk and protective factors among a sample of Latino youth (aged 11-13) was conducted. RESULTS: Peer norms and school connectedness had direct pathways to alcohol use. Self-concept was related to peer norms. Youth who were less acculturated were more likely to believe that their peers drank. Family monitoring, connectedness, and academic support did not have direct pathways to alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Peer norms appear critical in shaping adolescent involvement with alcohol. The protective influence of family and academic support appear to be indirect.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the pathways to alcohol use among adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of risk and protective factors among a sample of Latino youth (aged 11-13) was conducted. RESULTS: Peer norms and school connectedness had direct pathways to alcohol use. Self-concept was related to peer norms. Youth who were less acculturated were more likely to believe that their peers drank. Family monitoring, connectedness, and academic support did not have direct pathways to alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Peer norms appear critical in shaping adolescent involvement with alcohol. The protective influence of family and academic support appear to be indirect.
Authors: Joan S Tucker; Jeremy N V Miles; Elizabeth J D'Amico; Annie J Zhou; Harold D Green; Regina A Shih Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2012-06-20 Impact factor: 5.012