Youths' awareness on the effects of binge drinking

Abstract

Statistics show that there is a growing trend in young adults to participate in harmful drinking behaviour, such as binge-drinking. A glimpse of the different places that constitute nightlife in Malta, and the different personal encounters with people who seem to boast while recounting their experiences of drinking, show that this trend is increasing rather than decreasing and that urgent remedies must be taken so as to avoid the wide range of health and social problems resulting from binge drinking. Health problems include both short term and long term effects on the brain, liver and reproductive systems. Acknowledging that the present situation in Malta is quite disturbing and that the lack of research in the Maltese context is also quite alam1ing, this dissertation seeks to identify whether youths are aware of the effects of binge drinking while providing the foundations for future studies on this topic. The objectives were to identify Maltese youths' awareness and understanding of binge drinking and its effects, while exploring factors which encourage and discourage youths to binge drink. A descriptive research survey was used. A convenient sample of 50 students aged between 16-18 was chosen from a local college. Modifications were done to an already existing questionnaire with 2 open-ended questions. Content analysis was used in order to analyse openended questions while raw figures were used to analyse data obtained from closed-ended questions. Findings revealed that most youths know the concept of binge drinking, however, very little know the safe amount of alcohol to consume in one drinking occasion. Many youths seem to be aware of the negative effects of binge drinking. Students tend to be more knowledgeable about certain alcohol effects on the liver than other effects. Knowledge of the negative outcomes seem to be indirectly prop01tional to the level of engagement in binge drinking in a way that participants who have knowledge of the negative outcomes tend to engage less in such behaviour and vice versa. Yet, despite being aware of such negative health outcomes, participants still end up consciously engaging in binge drinking. Celebrating and having a good time with friends seems to be the major reasons for drinking alcohol, outweighing the expensive cost of alcohol consumption. Even though the findings of this study must be considered with caution, in light of its limitations, it seems that youths need more effective education about binge drinking. From the findings of this study, recommendations for further education, practice and further research were carefully drawn. Continuous and effective promotion starting at a young age regarding awareness of alcohol misuse is vital. Emphasis should be targeted on the education of the safe amount of alcohol to be consumed per drinking occasion. Current local laws, regulations and existing policies regarding alcohol use need to be revaluated and enforced. Further research should be conducted to determine the effectiveness of educational and awareness programs regarding alcohol misuse and related programs.