X Li1, X Fang, B Stanton, S Feigelman, Q Dong. 1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201-1010, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption and its relation to participation in other social activities and problem behaviors among adolescents residing in the People's Republic of China. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of 1,040 students in 6th, 8th, and 10th grades from five public schools in Beijing, China by using a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square statistics and two-way ANOVA were used to assess the gender and grade difference in lifetime alcohol use of various alcoholic beverages. The age-adjusted and grade-adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the association between alcohol use and selected social activities and problem behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately 70% of the study sample reported prior alcohol consumption. The rate of drinking among males was significantly higher than among females (78% vs. 61%, p < .00001), and the rates among both genders increased with advancing grade (54%, 72%, and 84%, respectively, p < .001). Beer was the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage. The results also suggested a progression from beer to wine and/or liquor. Drinking behavior was positively associated with participation in unstructured social activities and other problem behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol use was prevalent among adolescents residing in China. The findings underscore the need for and importance of intervention efforts targeting alcohol consumption among early adolescents in China.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption and its relation to participation in other social activities and problem behaviors among adolescents residing in the People's Republic of China. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of 1,040 students in 6th, 8th, and 10th grades from five public schools in Beijing, China by using a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square statistics and two-way ANOVA were used to assess the gender and grade difference in lifetime alcohol use of various alcoholic beverages. The age-adjusted and grade-adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the association between alcohol use and selected social activities and problem behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately 70% of the study sample reported prior alcohol consumption. The rate of drinking among males was significantly higher than among females (78% vs. 61%, p < .00001), and the rates among both genders increased with advancing grade (54%, 72%, and 84%, respectively, p < .001). Beer was the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage. The results also suggested a progression from beer to wine and/or liquor. Drinking behavior was positively associated with participation in unstructured social activities and other problem behaviors. CONCLUSIONS:Alcohol use was prevalent among adolescents residing in China. The findings underscore the need for and importance of intervention efforts targeting alcohol consumption among early adolescents in China.
Authors: Linda M Kaljee; Mackenzie S Green; Min Zhan; Rosemary Riel; Porntip Lerdboon; Ty W Lostutter; Le Huu Tho; Vo Van Luong; Truong Tan Minh Journal: Youth Soc Date: 2011-03