Trends in Alcohol Consumption Among Adolescents in the Baltic Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Apolinaras Zaborskis, Linas Sumskas, Mai Maser, Iveta Pudule
Primary Institution: Institute for Biomedical Research of Kaunas University of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the trends in alcohol consumption and drunkenness among adolescents in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from 1993 to 2002?
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption among adolescents in the Baltic countries increased significantly from 1993 to 2002.
Supporting Evidence
- 25% of boys and 12.5% of girls reported drinking alcohol at least weekly in 2001/02.
- The rate of drunkenness among boys increased from 30% to 52% and among girls from 15% to 36% from 1993/94 to 2001/02.
- Students from families perceived as wealthy were more likely to drink alcohol regularly.
Takeaway
The study found that more kids in the Baltic countries are drinking alcohol now than they did a few years ago.
Methodology
The study used representative samples of 15-year-old boys and girls from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania surveyed in three different years (1993/94, 1997/98, and 2001/02) using standardized survey methods.
Limitations
The study did not account for non-reporting of family wealth for 2% of respondents.
Participant Demographics
5287 boys and 6485 girls aged 15 from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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