Drinking patterns and attitudes about alcohol among New Zealand adolescents. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Campbell, Shanti; Jasoni, Christine; Longnecker, Nancy
• Is Part Of: Kōtuitui. Volume 14:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Adolescent -- alcohol drinking -- binge drinking -- social class -- schools; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; New Zealand periodicals; New Zealand periodicals; Social sciences; New Zealand; Periodicals; 300.99305
• DOI: 10.1080/1177083X.2019.1625934
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1177-083X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Questionnaires about alcohol use were administered to consenting Year 10 students at 10 secondary schools located in regions of Southland, Otago and Hawkes Bay ( n = 579) to examine drinking patterns and attitudes about alcohol of 14–15-year-olds. The average age of first drink was 12.6 years, two years younger than previously reported, with no difference in age of first drink for different socioeconomic statuses or ethnicities. Fifty-four per cent self-reported having consumed alcohol, and 23% had done so at least once within the last four weeks, with 13% reported regularly drinking more than five drinks in one session. While almost half of the 14–15-year-olds in this study reported never drinking alcohol, 75 individuals reported regular binge drinking. This was more common for students in lower socioeconomic schools; almost a third of students in the lowest socioeconomic group reported drinking five or more drinks every time they drink. There may be benefits of alcohol education resources for children as young as 12 years.