Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/18935
Title: Prevalence, perceptions and predictors of alcohol consumption and abstinence among South Australian school students: a cross-sectional analysis.
Austin Authors: Bowden, Jacqueline A;Delfabbro, Paul;Room, Robin;Miller, Caroline L;Wilson, Carlene J 
Affiliation: Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, SE, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic, 3000, Australia
Population Health Research Group, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
School of Medicine, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
School of Population Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Psychology Department, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
Issue Date: 2017
Date: 2017-06-07
Publication information: BMC public health 2017; 17(1): 549
Abstract: Alcohol consumption by young people (particularly early initiation) is a predictor for poorer health in later life. In addition, evidence now clearly shows a causal link between alcohol and cancer. This study investigated prevalence, predictors of alcohol consumption among adolescents including perceptions of the link between alcohol and cancer, and the role of parents and peers. A sample of Australian school students aged 12-17 years participated in a survey (n = 2885). Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine predictors. Alcohol use increased with age and by 16, most had tried alcohol with 33.1% of students aged 12-17 reporting that they drank at least occasionally (95% CI = 31.0-35.2). Awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer was low (28.5%). Smoking status and friends' approval were predictive of drinking, whereas parental disapproval was protective. Those aged 14-17 who did not think the link between alcohol and cancer was important were more likely to drink, as were those living in areas of least disadvantage. The only factors that predicted recent drinking were smoking and the perception that alcohol was easy to purchase. An education campaign highlighting the link between alcohol and cancer may have positive flow-on effects for young people, and schools should incorporate this messaging into any alcohol education programs. Consideration should be given to factors that serve to regulate under-aged accessibility of alcohol.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/18935
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4475-5
ORCID: 0000-0002-1883-4690
Journal: BMC public health
PubMed URL: 28592268
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Alcohol consumption
Cancer
School students
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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