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Religiosity as a possible protective factor against "binge drinking" among 12-year-old students: a population-based
Mariana Oliveira Guimarães1, Paula Cristina Pelli Paiva2, Haroldo Neves Paiva2
1Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil, marianaolig@hotmail.com.
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|April 26, 2018
Summary
Religiosity may protect teenagers from binge drinking. This study found that participating in religious activities was linked to lower rates of alcohol consumption among 12-year-olds in Brazil.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Religiosity is increasingly recognized for its positive health impacts.
- It may serve as a protective factor against adolescent alcohol consumption.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of binge drinking among 12-year-old students in Diamantina, Minas Gerais.
- To examine the association between religiosity and binge drinking in this population.
- To identify factors influencing adolescent alcohol consumption patterns.
Main Methods:
- A census of 588 12-year-old students was conducted in Diamantina, Minas Gerais.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square Pearson tests and Poisson regression with robust variance.
- Data collected focused on religiosity and alcohol consumption behaviors.
Main Results:
- Participation in religious activities was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of binge drinking (PR = 0.823).
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages by a best friend was associated with increased binge drinking (PR = 1.554).
- Religiosity demonstrated a protective association against binge drinking.
Conclusions:
- Religiosity is associated with a reduced likelihood of binge drinking among adolescents.
- Peer influence, specifically a best friend's alcohol consumption, is a significant risk factor.
- Findings highlight the potential role of religious engagement in preventing adolescent alcohol misuse.