BACKGROUND: This study aims to estimate the alcohol consumption in a large student population in Veneto (North Italy) and to identify possible psychosocial factors associated, with particular attention to the relationship between alcohol consumption and psychopathological vulnerability. METHODS: Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered: the Questionnaire for Adolescents' Saturday evening, ad hoc designed for the study, which investigates the habits and alcohol consumption patterns, and the Youth Self Report which assesses the possible presence of psychic and behavioral problems. We recruited 10,465 students attending secondary and high schools in two Venetian provinces (age range 11-19 years). Frequency and amount of alcohol consumption were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, habits, and vulnerability to psycho-behavioral problems. RESULTS: Data confirmed the high occurrence of alcohol consumption among young people (36.5%), with a higher prevalence among males (58,0%); the frequency of consumption and the amount of alcohol in taking increase with age, in greater measure after the transition to higher education level (10.4% in secondary school, 36,% in first year till 50% in third year of high school). Alcohol misuse was associated with: pubs and clubs attendance, coming back home late, a greater availability of money and externalizing behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study confirmed the worrying data about the prevalence of alcohol misuse among young people, pointing out some protective and risk factors to be taken into account in planning of preventive interventions.
BACKGROUND: This study aims to estimate the alcohol consumption in a large student population in Veneto (North Italy) and to identify possible psychosocial factors associated, with particular attention to the relationship between alcohol consumption and psychopathological vulnerability. METHODS: Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered: the Questionnaire for Adolescents' Saturday evening, ad hoc designed for the study, which investigates the habits and alcohol consumption patterns, and the Youth Self Report which assesses the possible presence of psychic and behavioral problems. We recruited 10,465 students attending secondary and high schools in two Venetian provinces (age range 11-19 years). Frequency and amount of alcohol consumption were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, habits, and vulnerability to psycho-behavioral problems. RESULTS: Data confirmed the high occurrence of alcohol consumption among young people (36.5%), with a higher prevalence among males (58,0%); the frequency of consumption and the amount of alcohol in taking increase with age, in greater measure after the transition to higher education level (10.4% in secondary school, 36,% in first year till 50% in third year of high school). Alcohol misuse was associated with: pubs and clubs attendance, coming back home late, a greater availability of money and externalizing behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study confirmed the worrying data about the prevalence of alcohol misuse among young people, pointing out some protective and risk factors to be taken into account in planning of preventive interventions.
Authors: Tamara Espejo-Garcés; Javier Cachón-Zagalaz; Félix Zurita-Ortega; Gabriel González-Valero; José Luis Ubago-Jiménez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-06 Impact factor: 3.390