Brief Underage Alcohol Use Screener Scores Predict Health Risk Behaviors

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Public Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Underage alcohol use is a significant public health concern among adolescents.
• Identifying at-risk youth early is crucial for preventing negative health outcomes.
• School settings provide opportunities for screening and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a 2-item underage alcohol use screener predicts risky consequences in adolescents.
• To assess the screener's ability to predict other health risk behaviors beyond alcohol use.
• To determine the utility of the screener in a nonclinical, school-based population.

Main Methods:

• A school-based survey was administered to 756 middle and high school students.
• Participants completed tablet-based surveys on past-year underage alcohol use and health risk behaviors.
• Adolescents' scores on a 2-item underage alcohol use screener were analyzed for predictive validity.

Main Results:

• Higher scores on the alcohol screener were associated with increased risk of riding with a drunk driver.
• The screener also predicted higher rates of cigarette use, marijuana use, and sexual risk behaviors (unplanned and unprotected sex).
• These associations were observed in a predominantly minority, nonclinical sample.

Conclusions:

• The 2-item underage alcohol use screener is a valuable tool for identifying adolescents at risk.
• School-based service providers, like school nurses, can use this screener for early identification and intervention.
• The screener helps address needs related to alcohol use disorders and other preventable health risks.