Citation

McDermott RJ, Clark-Alexander BJ, Westhoff WW, Eaton DK. J. Sch. Health 1999; 69(9): 356-361.

Affiliation

Dept. of Community and Family Health, Florida Prevention Research Center, University of South Florida 33612, USA. rmcdermo@hsc.usf.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10633320

Abstract

Despite a gradual overall decrease in alcohol consumption in the United States, alcohol remains the most widely used and abused drug in society. This study assessed lifetime and recent alcohol use in a cohort of fifth graders, and examined attitudes and beliefs held by these youth concerning alcohol. An instrument addressing alcohol use, other substance use, and other health-related problem behaviors was completed by 813 fifth graders in a west central Florida school district. Among respondents, 48.9% had "ever tried" alcohol, and 17.9% had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days (active drinkers). Significant differences in alcohol-related attitudes and beliefs were found according to current drinking status, gender, and race/ethnicity. Possible reasons for these differential findings are presented, and implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.

Language: en