[Assessment of the consumption of alcoholic beverages by the secondary-school student population of Trieste].

The results are reported of an epidemiological survey aimed at assessing alcohol consumption among the secondary school population of Trieste in three different age groups (13-14, 15-16, 18-19). The data obtained on a representative sample of Trieste students reveal an alarming situation as regards alcohol consumption especially among the younger elements, possibly due to peer pressure. Primary prevention involving health education in schools is advocated as a way of halting a worrying trend towards alcoholism even among the very young.