Alcohol Use from Adolescence to Young Adulthood in Switzerland
Author Information
Author(s): Steinhausen Hans-Christoph, Eschmann Susanne, Heimgartner Annina, Metzke Christa Winkler
Primary Institution: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich
Hypothesis
What are the patterns and psychosocial correlates of alcohol use from adolescence to young adulthood?
Conclusion
The study found that problematic alcohol use is prevalent among youth and is associated with various psychosocial issues.
Supporting Evidence
- Alcohol use increased from early adolescence to young adulthood.
- Males consumed more alcohol and experienced more negative consequences than females.
- A subgroup of heavy drinkers showed significant emotional and behavioral problems.
- Social events were the primary motive for drinking among youths.
Takeaway
Many young people in Switzerland drink alcohol, and some have serious problems because of it.
Methodology
The study used questionnaires to assess alcohol use and psychosocial variables in a cohort of 593 subjects over three time points.
Potential Biases
The findings may underrepresent the severity of alcohol-related issues due to dropout bias.
Limitations
The longitudinal sample was not fully representative due to higher dropout rates among older males with more externalizing problems.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 284 males (47.9%) and 309 females (52.1%) aged 11 to 22 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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