Alcohol Policy Relevant Indicators and Alcohol Use Among Adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean

This study assessed four alcohol policy indicators and their associations with adolescent alcohol use in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A secondary data analysis of nationally representative, cross-sectional data sets (years 2007-2013) from 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries was performed (N = 55,248 13- to 15-year-old students). Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between alcohol policy relevant indicators and alcohol use, adjusting for the country and demographic variables.

In all countries, at least 20% of the students were exposed to alcohol advertisements daily or almost daily, which was associated with a twofold increased risk of current alcohol use and at least monthly heavy drinking. Obtaining alcohol from a shop was associated with a nearly threefold increased risk of at least monthly heavy drinking compared with obtaining alcohol from home, which was the most common way to obtain alcohol. Being denied from purchasing retail alcohol was associated with a decreased risk of at least monthly heavy drinking. About 27% to 53% of the students who had tried to purchase alcohol had been denied. One in four students reported exposure to drink driving in the past 30 days.

Deficits in alcohol policy indicators were identified in a number of countries. Improving implementation and enforcement of alcohol policies could reduce alcohol use and related burden among adolescents in a number of Latin American and Caribbean countries.