Drinking habits of central Queensland adolescents: local research for local needs

This study examined the utility of monitoring adolescent drinking habits in order to assist the development of local drug education programmes. Drinking patterns are reported for a quota-sample of 1154 adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years in central Queensland. Results showed that the prevalence of drinking increased according to age, with 47% of 13-year-olds reporting that they have used alcohol (not just sips or tastes), through to 93% among the 18-year-old group. Older teenagers were more likely to report drinking in the past month and the past week, though their consumption patterns are very similar to young people in other studies. Locations for drinking varied with age, younger groups drinking more often in home settings while older groups enjoyed a greater range of public and private venues. Beverage preferences again showed some age and sex differences, but overall males expressed a preference for regular beer and spirits, while females reported a preference for spirits and wine coolers. The importance of conducting local research to address local needs is discussed.