Related Experiment Videos
[Alcohol consumption and environmental influence among school children]
F J Gascón Jiménez1, A Jurado Porcel, N Lora Cerezo
1Facultad de Medicina, U.D. Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Departamento de Pediatría, Córdoba.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Many schoolchildren consume alcohol, with boys and older students more likely to get drunk. A significant portion do not perceive alcohol as a drug, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Abuse Research
Context:
- Alcohol consumption and attitudes among schoolchildren are under-researched, particularly in rural settings.
- Understanding the influence of the immediate environment on adolescent alcohol use is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption and attitudes towards alcohol among schoolchildren.
- To investigate the impact of the family environment on adolescent alcohol use patterns.
Summary:
- A survey of 14,537 rural schoolchildren (grades 6 and 8) revealed that 63% had tried alcohol, and 47% drank regularly.
- Frequent drinkers, particularly boys and older students, reported getting drunk more often. Notably, 40% did not consider alcohol a drug.
- Daily alcohol consumption was higher among fathers (37%) than mothers (4%), and alcohol use was independently associated with smoking habits.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the need for early-stage alcohol education and intervention programs for adolescents.
- The study highlights a significant gap in perception regarding alcohol as a harmful substance among young people.
- Results provide valuable data for public health policymakers and educators addressing adolescent substance abuse.