Risk and protective factors for alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Montevideo (Uruguay). Issue 1 (6th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandez, Maria Eugenia; Daset, Lilian; Vanderplasschen, Wouter; Costa Ball, Cesar Daniel; Van Damme, Lore; Vindevogel, Sofie
• Is Part Of: Drugs and alcohol today. Volume 17:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2017-03-06
• Subjects: Adolescents -- Uruguay -- Risk factors -- Psychopathology -- Alcohol use -- Protective factors; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1108/DAT-01-2016-0002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-9265

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore risk and protective factors for alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Montevideo (Uruguay). Design/methodology/approach: A self-report survey was administered to 331 school-going adolescents in Montevideo (Uruguay) ( M age =13; SD=0.05), using the alcohol screening instrument of the Uruguayan National Drug Board to assess adolescents' alcohol use (yes/no), a screening instrument for psychopathology and resilience (the adolescent self-report) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Findings: Logistic regression analyses identified antisocial behaviour, substance use and negative emotionality ( F 2), disruptive and dysregulated behaviour ( F 8), higher age and recent death of a close relative as risk factors, while the number of close friends was identified as a protective factor for past year alcohol use (yes/no). No straightforward relationship was found between schools and the risk for the past year alcohol use. In addition, age, F 2, F 8 and recent death of a close relative appeared to be the most robust predictors. Research limitations/implications: The study was the first in Uruguay to relate adolescents' alcohol use to risk and protective factors. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, causal relationships could not be determined. Originality/value: The study provides preliminary recommendations for policy makers and other stakeholders involved in youth affairs on core elements to focus on school-, community- and family-based alcohol prevention programmes for adolescents.