PREVALÊNCIA DO USO DE ÁLCOOL E FATORES ASSOCIADOS EM ADOLESCENTES ENTRE 11 A 15 ANOS DA ZONA URBANA DE PELOTAS, RS

Abstract

Purpose To estimate the prevalence and factors associated to alcohol consumption in teenagers from 11 to 15 years old. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in 2006, in Pelotas, RS. A self-report anonymous questionnaire designed by CEBRID was applied, according to the WHO instrument for drug use. The analysis was adjusted by Poisson Regression. Results 1145 adolescents were interviewed. It was not possible to finish the interview in 7.8%. Among the 1056 who answered the questions related to alcohol, 23% (CI 95% 20.4 to 25.4) reported alcohol consumption in the last month, 21,7% among girls and 24,2% among boys. The prevalence of alcohol consumption among 11-year olds was 12.4%. After controlling for confounders, among boys tobacco use, to be older than 14 and to be sexually active remained associated to the outcome, while among girls only being older than 14 was associated. 32 Conclusions Alcoholic beverages are highly consumed precociously among boys and girls. Epidemiological information on this issue may help targeting population groups at risk. The health profile of teenagers is changing and becoming an immeasurable public health problem