@article{ref1,
title="Time trends and policy gaps: the case of alcohol misuse among adolescents in Lebanon",
journal="Substance use and misuse",
year="2015",
author="Ghandour, Lilian A. and Afifi, Rima and Fares, Sonia and El Salibi, Noura and Rady, Alissar",
volume="50",
number="14",
pages="1826-1839",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Monitoring studies are crucial for informing and reforming local policies. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: Using the Lebanon 2005 and 2011 Global School-based Student Health Surveys (GSHS), alcohol time trends were described, policy gaps were identified, and harm reduction policy recommendations were made. <br><br>METHODS: In 2005 and 2011, 100 (n = 5109 students) and 44 (n = 2784 students) middle schools were surveyed, respectively. Self-reported cross-sectional data on alcohol use among 7-9th graders in private and public schools was collected including 30-day prevalence, lifetime drunkenness, alcohol-related problems, and sources of alcohol. <br><br>RESULTS: In 2011, the majority (87%) had alcohol before turning 14. Between 2005 and 2011, past 30-day alcohol use had increased by 40% and lifetime drunkenness by 50% in the total sample (122% among females with a narrowing in the gender gap). Drinking was regular for more than a third of the past 30-day drinkers (drank two or more drinks on the days they drank). Male adolescents were more likely to obtain alcohol from &quot;stores&quot; or &quot;through their friends&quot; whereas females' main source was their &quot;family.&quot; One in twenty reported experiencing alcohol-related problems (e.g., getting into fights with family/friends and skipping school). <br><br>CONCLUSION/Importance: Evidence-informed policy implications include enforcing a minimum legal drinking age, regulating alcohol advertising, and marketing particularly those targeting youth and women, and ensuring the availability of youth-friendly services. Public messages to increase awareness among all stakeholders including youth, their parents, and larger community are also needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1082-6084",
doi="10.3109/10826084.2015.1073320",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2015.1073320"
}