Alcohol use and abuse: a cross-sectional study among Italian adolescents

Introduction. Alcohol is recognized as one of four major risk factorsfor non-communicable diseases. Exposure to alcoholic beveragesduring the adolescence has been linked to increased heavierdrinking habits: obviously, the age of alcohol initiation resultedan important determinant of alcohol dependence. The aim of thisstudy is to analyze knowledge, attitudes and practices in alcoholhabit of adolescent population.Methods. 943 students from 13 schools (middle and upper secondaryschools) of the Bari district were enrolled in the study: in each schoolone class for each age was randomly selected. The research was carriedout by an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire whichinvestigated alcohol consumption, knowledge of alcohol consumptionof parents and knowledge of the law regulating alcohol consumption.Results. 34.8% (328) have never consumed alcoholic drinks while65.2% (615) declare the use of alcohol; the average age of alcoholinitiation was 12.2 years. 35.7% (329/921) of mothers and 36.6%(335/915) of fathers drink alcohol only on special occasions. 17.9%(168/939) considered that alcohol could be free sale at all while16.4% (154/939) reported that sale is forbidden for children under14.Conclusions. The higher prevalence of alcohol habits and thepoor knowledge on alcohol law seemed to indicated the need ofimproving public health efforts in the prevention of alcohol consumptionamong Italian adolescents.