Prevalence patterns and predictors of alcohol use and abuse among secondary school students in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: demographic factors and the influence of parents and peers
Keywords:
Alcohol use, binge drinking, parental practices, peers, Southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract
Background: The prevalence and predictors of alcohol use and abuse among school students were investigated with the aim of gaining insight to guide prevention interventions. Method: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey pertaining to a one-month period was conducted among students in grades 11 and 12 in purposively selected schools with mixed-race groups. Frequencies and χ2 analyses were conducted and forward stepwise, conditional entry logistic regression models were fitted to determine the significant demographic predictors and influence of peers and parents on students’ alcohol use and binge drinking. Results: About 54% of students had used alcohol before, while 14.5% had had their first drink before the age of 13. In the relevant month, 41% used alcohol and 32% engaged in binge drinking. Students who were more likely to have used alcohol in the preceding month were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, P = 0.006], male (OR = 2.1, P < 0.001), white (OR = 5.1, P < 0.001), had often seen their fathers drunk (OR = 1.9, P < 0.001) and had friends who frequently use alcohol (OR = 3.5, P < 0.001). Students who were more likely to report binge drinking in the preceding month were older (OR = 1.6, P < 0.001), male (OR = 2.4, P < 0.001), white (OR = 1.6, P = 0.048), had often seen their fathers (OR = 1.5, P = 0.001) and mothers (OR = 1.4, P = 0.05) drunk and had friends who frequently use alcohol (OR = 3.6, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The long-term consequences of hazardous drinking patterns initiated during adolescence may have negative effects on achievement in life, health and general well-being, and therefore these patterns are in need of urgent address. While older, white male students are at particular risk, the significant influence of peer and parental alcohol use is highlighted and should be considered when developing prevention interventions in schools.
Published
2011-10-17
Section
Original Research
By submitting manuscripts to SAFP, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to the South African Academy of Family Physicians. Copyright of review articles are assigned to the Publisher, Medpharm Publications (Pty) Ltd, unless otherwise specified. Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in SAFP for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.