Youth drinking : risk factors

Abstract

The identification of the risk factors for alcohol use by youths could be very valuable as regards to what its prevention should focus on. The objective of this study identifies the main risk factors, both social and personal, which could elicit the use of alcohol by young persons. Seventy-two Form 3 students aged twelve to fourteen, from six different schools in Malta, took part in questionnaires and interviews in order to collect data for this study. The results were compared and contrasted with other studies when possible. The hypothesis put forward was that social factors such as the easy availability of alcohol and children's parents who drink alcohol, lead to youth drinking. From the results obtained in this research it was established that such a hypothesis was inaccurate as both social and personality factors could lead youths to drink alcohol. Moreover, it was also noted that the use of alcohol is deeply entrenched in the younger generation. This study attempts to find the causes that might be leading youths to drink alcohol. However, more comprehensive research is to be carried out before one can fuily decide which risk factors are most likely to influence the initiation and continuation of alcohol use by youths.