Alcohol consumption among junior high school students in the community of Litija, Slovenia

Alcohol drinking causes numerous problems to individuals, families and to society. Most people begin to drink alcohol in childhood. This study shows drinking habits of junior high school students at schools in the community of Litija, Slovenia. The data were collected with anonymous questionnaires that were completed by 941 students aged 12-15 years. There were 6.5% students who never drank alcohol (such a low percent of teetotallers among children aged 12-15 years has not yet been published); 18% drank alcohol several times a week. The frequency was higher if students lived in the country, if their parents as well as peers were frequent drinkers and if their parents produced alcohol at home themselves. There were no significant differences between girls and boys in frequency of drinking, nor differences with age. The author suggests some possible measures to be taken with individuals, families and society in order to diminish the prevalence of alcohol use among schoolchildren.