Results of a two-year longitudinal study of beverage-specific alcohol use among adolescents.
This study explored beverage-specific alcohol consumption patterns among a sample of high school students over a two-year period. Four hundred fifty-five students completed the validated questionnaire at all three time points (2002, 2003, 2004). Variables of interest included five use measures (past year use, 30-day frequency, quantity, heavy use, chugging), each measured for six beverages (beer, wine, flavored coolers, fortified wine, liquor, malt liquor). Descriptive statistics and repeated measures MANOVAs revealed differences in beverage-specific consumption patterns over time, with liquor use increasing, wine use decreasing, and the remaining beverages showing no changes; and differences in beverage choice and drinking patterns by gender and ethnicity. Results indicate need for testing interventions that: target beverages most popular among students including those used earlier and later in high school; are sensitive to gender and ethnic differences; and address perceptions about specific beverages and their unique risks in order to reduce adolescent alcohol consumption.
Moore
Michele Johnson
MJ
Department of Public Health, College of Health,University of North Florida, Jacksonville 32224-2645, USA. mmoore@unf.edu
Werch
Chudley
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires